Sleep Or Relaxation Inducing Therapy (e.g., Direct Nerve Stimulation, Hypnosis, Analgesia) Patents (Class 600/26)
  • Patent number: 8211015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Convergent Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Tammy Y. Euliano, Neil Russell Euliano, II, Jose C. Principe, Dorothee Marossero
  • Publication number: 20120165598
    Abstract: A device (1) for improving an individual's physical performance and ability to maintain balance, which is suitable for being placed close to a portion of the individual's skin, comprises at least one metal body (2, 2?) which is provided with a first metal layer (4, 4?), and at least one second metal layer (5, 7) that is based on a metal selected from ruthenium, rhodium and platinum and is at least partially superimposed on the first layer (4, 4?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: David Scalco, Alberto Olivetto
  • Publication number: 20120149972
    Abstract: The invention features a computer for fostering self-improvement in a person. The computer includes means for electronically conveying an audible message to the person. The message includes content that is generated by the person and that relates to the person's self-improvement, and includes phrases generated by the person. At least a portion of the message is an audible voice, the person's own voice or the voice of the person's coach family member, coach, or other trusted individual. Alternatively, the voice can be computer-generated. The computer can also include, or be operationally connected to, a monitor which displays messages to the person relating to the person's self-improvement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Margaret Moore
  • Patent number: 8197395
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for preventing seizures due to physiological system dysfunction. The method is based on a conjectural model of the brain wherein each brain site is modeled as a chaotic oscillator; a normal brain generates an internal feedback signal to prevent long-term entrainment among the oscillators; and a pathological brain fails to provide this feedback signal. The device of the present invention measures and characterizes the brain sites to determine if entrainment is occurring among the oscillators, derives an appropriate feedback signal to counteract the entrainment, and applies the feedback signal to the critical brain sites. The feedback signal generated by the device supplements or takes the place of the feedback signal that would otherwise be generated by the normal brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Leonidas D. Jassemidis, Konstantinos S. Tsakalis
  • Publication number: 20120142999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a an active pillow system and a method for manipulating a person's resting conditions, wherein the actual resting conditions of the person are determined by a sensor unit, an actigraph, a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor for instance, and wherein an acoustic synthetic jet cooling mechanism, is triggered by the determined actual resting conditions for manipulating the person's resting conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Mirela Alina Albu, Philip Steven Newton, Pedro Fonseca, Dmitry Chestakov, Jia Du, Vincentius Paulus Buil, Liesbeth Scholten, Serverius Petrus Paulus Pronk, Fiona Rees
  • Patent number: 8172743
    Abstract: An interactive biological stabilization (IBS) device includes at least one communication path enabling operative coupling with at least one patient data monitoring device, and a processing device enabled for operative coupling with the at least one patient monitoring device through the at least one communication path. The processing device includes a hypnotherapeutic treatment decision block selecting at least one hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on patient data received from the at least one patient data monitoring device through the at least one communication path. A system for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the IBS device. A method for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the steps of providing at least one apparatus monitoring vital patient data and providing at least one processor processing the vital patient data which selects a hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on the processing of the vital patient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Dominick Schillizzi, Beauregard Robinson
  • Patent number: 8167784
    Abstract: This invention presents a new method to generate therapeutically superior Bipolar PEMFs while significantly reducing the overall power consumption allowing for the use of low-power coin cell batteries; and presents a new frequency format to be followed for long-duration exposure PEMF Therapy devices. This is accomplished using a battery powered crystal clocked microcontroller and H-Bridge to pulse an electromagnetic inductor with a storage capacitor to generate a positive pulse followed by a shorter negative pulse, followed by some period of no current flowing generating frequencies in support of mammalian Circadian Rhythms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: James David Honeycutt, Vickie Lynn Honeycutt
  • Publication number: 20120083648
    Abstract: A device for relieving user stress and method of using same are disclosed. The device may be provided in the form of a kit that the user may use to relieve himself or herself of troubling thoughts and use the dissolution features of the kit to visually observe the thought melting away. The kit may include a plurality of dissolvable substrates on which thoughts can be recorded, a writing instrument to record the thoughts on the substrate, a vessel to contain a solvent, and a medical device to monitor one or more physiological parameters of the user. The physiological parameters of the user may include blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, brain function, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Catherine D. Dowdell, John R. Weaver, Kristina J. Genslak, James R. Crapser
  • Patent number: 8139803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Immerz, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 8104481
    Abstract: A light therapy device is taught including a light emitting assembly having light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The light emitting assembly capable of generating 2,500 lux to 7,500 lux at 12 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Litebook Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Larry V. Pederson, Clayton G. Coffey, Henry Hudema
  • Patent number: 8099159
    Abstract: Methods and devices that are capable of measuring physiological parameters of at least two contact points and determining whether the measured parameters reflect favorable or unfavorable physiological responses are disclosed herein. Specifically, the present invention encompasses a method that can non-invasively monitor physiological parameters of at least two contact points before and after a stimulus is applied to a subject and compare the measured parameters to determine whether the physiological state of the subject is favorable or unfavorable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Zyto Corp.
    Inventor: Vaughn Cook
  • Patent number: 8070669
    Abstract: A wall integrable multisensory therapy device for securement in a wall of a room dedicated for physiological therapeutic treatment is described. The device has a convection conduit with a bottom air intake and a top air outlet. A blower is secured between the inlet port and outlet port to heat air convected therethrough. Associated with the convection conduit is a front panel incorporating therein audio speakers and two different light sources, one being a white light source and the other being a colored light source. The white light source provides a luminotherapeutic sensation and the colored light source provides a chromotherapeutic sensation. The heated air provides a thermotherapeutic sensation. An aromatic liquid dispenser is also associated with the front panel provides an aromatherapeutic sensation. An audio transmitter equipped with speakers provides for a relaxing sensation of hearing to a user person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Gestion Ultra International Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Brunelle, Louis Gendreau, Stéphane Baron, Pascale Vaillancourt
  • Publication number: 20110282129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing relaxation or sleep comprising the steps of: placing electrodes in contact with the forehead skin in the supraorbital region; generating an electrical signal with a signal generator and applying said signal to the electrodes so as to produce external, i.e. non invasive, neurostimulation of the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: STX-Med SPRL
    Inventor: Pierre Rigaux
  • Publication number: 20110257465
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for reducing stress, inducing relaxation and well-being, and increasing the ability to concentrate, by projecting a series of non-audible impulses into a selected part of a users body. The series of non-audible impulses having an ascending component and descending component where the ascending component and the descending component each including periods of breaks where there are no impulses projected onto the users body. The non-audible impulses are cued to the inhalation cycle and exhalation cycle of breath. The device may be configured as a pendent having a housing, a power source operably secured within the housing, a circuit mechanism having a plurality of different operational modes for producing the series of non-audible impulses, and at least one user operable input switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Lee Landsdale
  • Patent number: 8038593
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system an method of monitoring the status of a plurality of medical devices connected to a central computer or server using a wired or wireless network, and displaying information representative of the status of the medical devices to a user on a display screen using both graphics and text. The system is also capable of determining when a condition or alarm warranting notification of the care giver to correct the condition exists, and displaying information about the condition or alarm on the display, including associating a warning graphic or icon representative of the condition or alarm with an icon representing a specific medical device or portion of a medical device. The system includes a rules data base and decision engine that may be used to determine the existence of conditions that require notification to the care giver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Friedman, Kraldon Ferch
  • Publication number: 20110245585
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system for the optimization of sound production so as to achieve limbic and cortical arousal, comprising a resistance-controlled (or partially mass-controlled) woofer system, a mass-controlled (or partially resistance-controlled) midrange system, and a resistance-controlled tweeter system. This system may further comprise crossover networks of a particular configuration. By use of unsymmetrical networks of low order, it is possible to obtain a complete system which exhibits flat delay response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: J. CRAIG OXFORD
  • Patent number: 8002711
    Abstract: Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with real-time RSA wave information are provided. These methods and devices also can be used to identify drop points in RSA waves. Such methods and devices provide subjects with the ability to maintain parasympathetic outflow and thereby prevent and/or reduce levels of stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wood, Adam Forbes, Kirstin Rhys
  • Publication number: 20110190594
    Abstract: A medical sleep disorder arrangement integrates into current diagnosis and treatment procedures to enable a health care professional to diagnose and treat a plurality of subjects suffering from insomnia. The arrangement may include both environmental sensors and body-worn sensors that measure the environmental conditions and the condition of the individual patient. The data may be collected and processed to measure clinically relevant attributes of sleep quality automatically. These automatically determined measures, along with the original sensor data, may be aggregated and shared remotely with the health care professional. A communication apparatus enables the healthcare professional to remotely communicate with and further assess the patient and subsequently administer the treatment. Thus, a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment is provided while reducing the required clinician time per patient for treatment delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Heit, Soundararajan Srinivasan, Diego Benitez, Burton Warren Andrews
  • Publication number: 20110190569
    Abstract: A novel non-invasive magnetic stimulator is used to modulate electrical activity of a patient's vagus nerve. Parameters of the stimulation are selected in such a way as to induce a state of euphoria in the patient. The methods and devices may be used for anesthesia, or to treat insomnia, depression, or premenstrual syndromes. They may be used as substitution withdrawal tools for individuals who otherwise would depend on substances and behaviors to achieve a euphoric state of mind, particularly individuals who abusively consume drugs, alcohol or food, or who exhibit behavioral disorders such as compulsive gambling. The devices and methods may also be used to prevent, manage, or relieve stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 7988613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electromagnetic fields for healing. A device preferably includes a microcontroller and associated memory, a wire coil in electrical communication with a driving circuit that is controlled by the microcontroller in accordance with a program stored in the associated memory, wherein the driving circuit is effective to produce a pulsed DC output having a frequency in the range of about 0-45 Hz, more preferably in the range of 0.5-14.1 Hz and most preferably around 9.6 Hz. A user interface is provided for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation and a port (e.g., a USB port) is provided to allow the program stored in the associated memory to be modified by way of a computer, memory card or the Internet. In another embodiment, the apparatus takes the form of a medallion that can be worn around a user's neck or strategically placed on a user's body or embedded in other user hardware such as a combat or racing helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Paul F. Becker
  • Publication number: 20110160522
    Abstract: Provided is a portable chronometer including a chronometer body for encasing a chronometer mechanism and an electromagnetic frequency (EMF) generator. The EMF generator is controlled by a switch to output a desirable EMF signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel D. Brunda
  • Publication number: 20110160523
    Abstract: A method of conditioning a living body of a patient to associate the positive effects of sensory stimulation of the sympathetic ganglia with digital audio representations of allergens or other offending substances to modify errant interpretations of the immune system or other systems involved in a reaction to ultimately cease or reduce negative reactions to such allergens or substances. In addition, a patient's allergies or sensitivities are treated by using digital representations, preferably provided via a computer, as opposed to exposing the patient to the actual substances. Sensory stimulation is used in conjunction with the digital audio signals to condition the body to react more appropriately to the substances without the actual substance being exposed to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Dawn Nowlin
  • Patent number: 7967739
    Abstract: A sleep system includes sensors capable of gathering sleep data from a person and environmental data during a sleep by the person. A processor executes instructions that analyze this data and control the sleep of the person and the environment surrounding the person. Typically, the instructions are loaded in a memory where they execute to generate an objective measure of sleep quality from the sleep data from the person and gather environmental data during the sleep by the person. Upon execution, the instructions receive a subjective measure of sleep quality from the person after the sleep, create a sleep quality index from the objective measure of sleep quality and subjective measure of sleep quality, correlate the sleep quality index and a current sleep system settings with a historical sleep quality index and corresponding historical sleep system settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Raphael Auphan
  • Publication number: 20110144416
    Abstract: An apparatus that simulates the movement an infant might experience while being held on its mother's chest is provided. The apparatus produces controlled and rhythmic motions similar to the expansion and contraction of an adult's chest or torso during normal breathing. The apparatus, and methods of operation thereof, provide a soothing, sleep-inducing motion for the infant placed therein. The apparatus may also include structure for causing circulation of air around the apparatus so as to prevent the build-up of carbon dioxide near the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua Waddell
  • Publication number: 20110124953
    Abstract: A collapsible and foldable composite chair with back slats and seat slats held together by a fabric material. A fold line hinge into the fabric material which normally wears out over time is reinforced to prevent such early wear outs with a cell foam material, preferably a closed cell polyolefin strip. As a result the slats do not wear though the slat pockets in the material and the fold line hinge endures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: LESLIE AISNER NOVAK
  • Patent number: 7942818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Convergent Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Tammy Y. Euliano, Neil Russell Euliano, II, Jose C. Principe, Dorothee Marossero
  • Patent number: 7918780
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to quantify psychological and physiological components to measure acute stress in humans, in which a stimulus can be applied to the test subject's environment during the test. The method involves multiple stress/relaxation intervals while physiological measurements are taken and “measured,” and involves questionnaires that are answered after each of the intervals to “measure” the test subject's psychological state. A computerized testing apparatus acquires the physiological measurements, and also is used by the test subject in answering the questionnaires. The “stimulus” can be a fragrance, flavor, product, or task, and a “blank stimulus” is normally used during one of the stress intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Magda El-Nokaly, Michael Lee Hilton, Kevin Lee Doyle, Daniel Raymond Schaiper, Abel Saud, Diane Lynn Prickel
  • Publication number: 20110077454
    Abstract: An interactive biological stabilization (IBS) device includes at least one communication path enabling operative coupling with at least one patient data monitoring device, and a processing device enabled for operative coupling with the at least one patient monitoring device through the at least one communication path. The processing device includes a hypnotherapeutic treatment decision block selecting at least one hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on patient data received from the at least one patient data monitoring device through the at least one communication path. A system for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the IBS device. A method for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the steps of providing at least one apparatus monitoring vital patient data and providing at least one processor processing the vital patient data which selects a hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on the processing of the vital patient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Dominick Schillizzi, Beauregard Robinson
  • Patent number: 7909752
    Abstract: The use of stimuli in order to create association between training regimes subconsciously is known. Unfortunately, in highly noisy and other polluted environments it is difficult to provide ongoing reinforcement of previous behavior modification and training. By providing a stimulus phrase which comprises two or more stimuli in known combinations it is possible to provide keyed association with previous training regimes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Can-Do Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Paul Bottomley
  • Publication number: 20110046434
    Abstract: A system (100) for inducing a subject (110) to fall asleep comprises a monitor (120) for monitoring heart rate and breathing rate of the subject (110), a coherence assessing device (130) coupled to the monitor (120) for assessing a degree of coherence between the heart rate and the breathing rate, and an output device (140, 150) coupled to the coherence assessing device (130). The output device (140, 150) may comprise a light pattern generator (140) for generating a light pattern (145) in view of the subject (110) based on the degree of coherence. The output device (140, 150) may alternatively or additionally comprise an instructing system (150) for instructing the subject on a breathing pattern, and wherein the instructions are given based on the degree of coherence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Anke Schmeink, Robert Pinter
  • Publication number: 20110034756
    Abstract: A sleep inducement apparatus including an interface unit, a pair of headphones and an electrode strap. A sleep monitor cooperates with the electrode strap to detect the state of sleep of a subject through a heart rate variability analysis. The control unit cooperates with electrodes in the headphones to apply an electrical stimulation to the subject's nervous system in order to initiate a sleep condition. As the subject moves from a wakeful state towards a state of sleep, the monitor regulates the control unit such that, when the subject is asleep, the control unit does not supply electrical pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jeremy Hacking, Nicholas Hacking
  • Publication number: 20110021866
    Abstract: A drowsiness level detection section detects a drowsiness level of an individual person. A sleep depth level control section controls the sleep depth of the individual person based on the detected drowsiness level. The sleep depth level control section executes a first sleep control, in which the sleep depth level of the individual person is maintained at a predetermined sleep depth level below a maximum sleep depth level, if the detected drowsiness level is equal to or below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hisashi Iizuka, Hiroki Okamura
  • Publication number: 20110015468
    Abstract: A method of maintaining a state in a subject comprises measuring one or more physiological parameters of the subject, calculating, using the measured parameter(s), a value, determining if the calculated value is below a lower threshold or above an upper threshold, and generating an output to the subject if the calculated value is determined to be below the lower threshold or above the upper threshold. In one embodiment, the generating an output to the subject comprises generating a first output if the calculated value is determined to be below the lower threshold and generating a second output if the calculated value is determined to be above the upper threshold, the second output being different from the first output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ronaldus Maria Aarts, Mark Thomas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110015467
    Abstract: A sleep management method and system for use by a carer to improve the sleep behaviour of a child in their care by monitoring one or more objective parameters relevant to sleep quality and providing one or more recommendations for behavioural programs and/or actions to the carer via a portable user interaction device such as a mobile phone. Such a system can also be adapted for use in looking after adults and animals such as domestic pets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Pamela Ann DOTHIE, Thomas Alexander Ford
  • Patent number: 7856274
    Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Mechlenburg, Stefanie Lattner
  • Patent number: 7850597
    Abstract: An interactive biological stabilization (IBS) device includes at least one communication path enabling operative coupling with at least one patient data monitoring device, and a processing device enabled for operative coupling with the at least one patient monitoring device through the at least one communication path. The processing device includes a hypnotherapeutic treatment decision block selecting at least one hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on patient data received from the at least one patient data monitoring device through the at least one communication path. A system for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the IBS device. A method for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the steps of providing at least one apparatus monitoring vital patient data and providing at least one processor processing the vital patient data which selects a hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on the processing of the vital patient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dominick Schillizzi, Beauregard Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100174200
    Abstract: Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with near real-time RSA wave information are provided. This information can be used in biofeedback settings to assist subjects in reducing levels of stress by achieving rhythmic breathing patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: RESPIRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Wood, Adam Forbes, Kirstin Rhys
  • Patent number: 7749155
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an improved-customizability digital sound relaxation system having a sound card receiving port and a collectable sound card are cooperative to play prerecorded natural or other sounds by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches and a sound card selector switch. The new sounds of each collectable sound card customize the library of available sounds to individual taste. In another embodiment, an improved-flexibility digital sound relaxation system having at least two (2) prerecorded sounds stored at first and second memory locations of internal or external/internal memory devices may be selected and combined for concurrent and/or individual replay by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches and a combine switch, or by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches, a sound card selector switch and a combine switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Headwaters R+D Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Gene Anderson, Kevin Bailey, Jeffrey D. Thompson, Rudy Anthony Vandenbelt
  • Publication number: 20100168503
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating sleep-inducing stimuli, including a programmable controller operable for generating a sleep-inducing rhythm; and a transducer unit containing at least one transducer connected to the controller for receiving the sleep-inducing rhythm and generating and applying the sleep-inducing stimuli to a user in accordance with the rhythm. The stimuli may be in the form of vibration, warmth, light, sound, and/or electrical current. The stimuli are adapted to induce alpha, theta, and/or delta brain waves to induce sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gerard V. Sunnen
  • Publication number: 20100145136
    Abstract: An ear clip electrode used to conduct a minute amount of electricity from a stimulator to the ear lobes of a patient. The ear clip electrode is provided with an inner and outer plastic piece onto which a metallic plate is placed. Both the metallic plate as well as the plastic pieces are provided with a circular end onto which a metallic pole is placed. Electrode pads are placed upon these metallic poles and electricity is conducted from each of the plates to the electrode pad and then to the patient's ear lobe. The ear clip electrode is connected to a source of minute electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kirsch, Sai Cheong Chan
  • Publication number: 20100130833
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for controllably adjusting the circadian pacemaker cycle of a subject using light (or other stimulus) through application of model-based predictive control techniques. This approach allows the use of closed-loop feedback to compensate for modeling errors, unknown initial conditions and disturbances. It also allows an optimal level of light (or other stimulus) to be generated based on minimization of a cost function. The cost function may incorporate a term associated with tracking errors and a term associated with the amount of light used. The tracking function may be minimized subject to one or more constraints which may include a minimum and maximum amount of light (or other stimulus).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Grey MOTT, Daniel Joseph MOLLICONE, Matthew VAN WOLLEN, Mihai HUZMEZAN
  • Publication number: 20100094103
    Abstract: Automated behavioral methods and systems for treating Insomnia that use passive means for determining wake/sleep states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CONSOLIDATED RESEARCH OF RICHMOND, INC
    Inventors: Richard Frederic Kaplan, Kenneth Alan Loparo, Ying Wang
  • Patent number: 7691049
    Abstract: Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with near real-time RSA wave information are provided. This information can be used in biofeedback settings to assist subjects in reducing levels of stress by achieving rhythmic breathing patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wood, Adam Forbes, Kirstin Rhys
  • Publication number: 20100076252
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for receiving respiration information of a patient and for providing a stimulation to the patient using a hybrid circuit. The hybrid circuit includes a control input for receiving a control signal having a first and second state. A sense switch of the hybrid circuit can provide respiration information from a pyro/piezoelectric film sleep sensor and stimulator to a closed loop neuromodulator in response to the first state. A stimulation switch of the hybrid circuit can provide stimulation energy from the closed loop neuromodulator to the pyro/piezoelectric film sensor and stimulator in response to the second state. The hybrid circuit can couple to the pyro/piezoelectric film sensor and stimulator using a single wire pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Peter Stasz
  • Publication number: 20100076253
    Abstract: A sound and light machine (SLM) produces sound and light that pulses at brain wave frequencies. The SLM is programmed to induce a particular state of consciousness in a user. The SLM includes a left and a right light emitting diode (LED) (3). The LEDs (3) are configured to be placed in front of the user's left and right eyes, respectively, and are programmed to pulse light at a frequency that helps induce the particular state of consciousness in the user. The SLM has a left and a right headphone speaker (4). The speakers (4) are configured to play different tones into right and left ears to produce binaural beats that match the LED pulse frequencies. The SLM also has a microcontroller (5) on circuit board that runs firmware to control the LEDs and headphone speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CORNFIELD ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell A. Altman, William Alessi
  • Publication number: 20100076251
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for detecting respiration information of a patient and for providing a stimulation to the patient. A sleep sensor transducer includes a pyro/piezoelectric film. A first and second electrode can attach to the film to transmit the detected respiration information to a closed loop neuromodulator and to receive stimulation energy from the closed loop neuromodulator to provide the stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Stasz, Reinhold Henke
  • Publication number: 20100069769
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for receiving biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be wirelessly received using a wireless sensor base station including a transceiver to receive the biomedical data from a wireless sleep sensor. A demultiplexer of the wireless sensor base station can separate respiration information from the biomedical data. Examples include providing the biomedical data to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device using an output of the wireless sensor base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Peter Stasz
  • Publication number: 20100063350
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for anti-habituating sleep therapy using a closed loop neuromodulator. A first sleep disorder event can be detected using first activity information, and a first series of stimuli can be provided, in response to the first sleep disorder event, using a set of stimulus parameters. A habituation event can be detected and anti-habituation stimulation parameter can be adjusted to avoid patient habituation to the stimuli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Evan S. Johnston, Alan B. Jones, Peter Stasz, Thomas H. Zymowski
  • Publication number: 20100063348
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for generating a sleep therapy stimulus waveform for a patient. Stimulus sequence information can be selected from a sequence memory array, and stimulus sequence information can be received from the sequence memory array at a stimulus generator selector. A generator select signal can be provided to a stimulus generator of a closed loop neuromodulator using the stimulus sequence information and a stimulus duration signal, wherein the generator select signal can include stimulus type information related to stimulus pulses generated using the closed loop neuromodulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Evan S. Johnston, Peter Stasz
  • Publication number: 20100056852
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for modulating an energy level of a sleep therapy stimulus signal for a patient. A stimulus driver signal can be provided to a closed loop neuromodulator using a stimulus signal and a stimulus duration signal, and an energy level of the stimulus signal can be adjusted using a selected escalation envelope function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhold Henke, Alan B. Jones, Peter Stasz