Structure Of Body-contacting Electrode Or Electrode Inserted In Body Patents (Class 600/372)
  • Publication number: 20140107452
    Abstract: An integrated bioinformatics sensing apparatus includes a piezoelectric sensing layer, an upper conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer and an information transmission controller. The piezoelectric sensing layer senses a physiological rhythm of a living organism to output a physiological rhythm signal, and the upper and bottom conductive layers sense a physiological electrical signal on a body surface of the living organism, and the information transmission controller receives and processes the physiological rhythm signal and the physiological electrical signal to generate and store the sensed bioinformatics, or transmit the signals to the external processing device to display the sensed bioinformatics. The simple-structured sensing apparatus can be attached onto the body surface of the living organism conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Min-Hsien Wu, Yi-Yuan Chiu, Hsin-Yao Wang, Song-Bin Huang
  • Publication number: 20140107458
    Abstract: A sensor for biopotential measurement, comprising: an electrical contacting unit for establishing an electrical contact with an animal or human skin, the electrical contacting unit being resilient. The sensor comprises a housing comprising a cavity wherein the electrical contacting unit is partially secured, and means for maintaining said electrical contacting unit in a resiliently deformed state when in contact with said skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, KU LEUVEN R&D, IMEC
    Inventors: Maria Op de Beeck, Filip Vanlerberghe
  • Patent number: 8700118
    Abstract: A biomedical sensor system. The system can include a sensor adapted to create a signal based on a physiological characteristic from a subject, and a hub adapted to receive the signal from the sensor. The signal can include at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a mechanical signal, a thermal signal, and a chemical signal. The system can further include a connector adapted to couple the sensor and the hub, the connector having a variable length, such that the sensor and the hub can be positioned a variable distance apart by changing the length of the connector. The connector can be adapted to provide a pathway between the sensor and the hub for the signal. A method of applying a biomedical sensor system to a subject can include changing the length of the variable-length connector to provide an appropriate distance between the sensor and the hub, and coupling the sensor to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig D. Oster, Hatim M. Carim, Casey L. Carlson, Vinod P. Menon, Jon A. Kirschhoffer, William Bedingham, Christopher R. Yungers
  • Publication number: 20140100436
    Abstract: An electrode sensor kit for establishing electrical contact with skin comprises at least one contact element and a preparation comprising a mixture of water and at least one lipid for enhancing electrical contact properties between said contact element and the skin, wherein said mixture forms an emulsion, in particular a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water emulsion, having a conductivity of less than 3 mS/cm. An electrode assembly for electrical impedance tomography which comprises said kit is characterized in that (a) said at least one contact element forms an electrode or sensor plate, and (b) said at least one contact element comprises a layer of said preparation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SWISSTOM AG
    Inventors: Josef X. Brunner, Stephan Bohm
  • Patent number: 8694129
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying a sensor assembly onto a cardiac lead are disclosed. The sensor assembly can include a resilient cuff having one or more sensor modules for sensing physiological parameters within the body. The resilient cuff may have a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the lead body onto which the cuff is deployed such that the cuff is retained on the lead body by frictional forces. The sensor assembly may be deployed in conjunction with a new lead to be implanted within a chamber of the patient's heart or a body vessel, or may be deployed onto an existing, implanted lead implanted within the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Li, Allan C. Shuros, Andrea Acuna, Bruce A. Tockman
  • Patent number: 8690748
    Abstract: A signal processing method and system combines multi-scale decomposition, such as wavelet, pre-processing together with a compression technique, such as an auto-associative artificial neural network, operating in the multi-scale decomposition domain for signal denoising and extraction. All compressions are performed in the decomposed domain. A reverse decomposition such as an inverse discrete wavelet transform is performed on the combined outputs from all the compression modules to recover a clean signal back in the time domain. A low-cost, non-drug, non-invasive, on-demand therapy braincap system and method are pharmaceutically non-intrusive to the body for the purpose of disease diagnosis, treatment therapy, and direct mind control of external devices and systems. It is based on recognizing abnormal brainwave signatures and intervenes at the earliest moment, using magnetic and/or electric stimulations to reset the brainwaves back to normality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Chi Yung Fu
  • Publication number: 20140088398
    Abstract: Provided herein is an integrated wireless patch comprising a contact layer, an electronics layer, and a battery layer. The contact layer is a substrate having gel cutouts. The electronics layer can be folded into contact with the contact layer. The battery layer can be folded into contact with the electronic layer. Further provided herein is a method of manufacturing a wireless integrated patch comprising folding a substrate comprising at least one cutout, at least one contact disk in communication with a surface of a patient through the cutout, and battery terminals, wherein the at least one cutout, the at least on contact, and the battery terminals are adaptable to be located in different layers after the substrate is folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: HMicro, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20140088397
    Abstract: An epidermal electrode operable independently of the ambient environment, such as the presence of water, sweat, or dry conditions, and achieve a suitable impedance with the epidermal surface for transmitting electrical signals indicative of bodily physiological process such as ECG signals for heart monitoring. The hydrophobic surface mountable electrode including a flexible, conductive substrate of PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) with dispersed carbon black and having a substantially planar sensing area adapted for communication with an electrically sensitive surface such as a patient's skin, and a terminal for connection to a monitor circuit, the terminal having electrical continuity with the planar sensing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ki Chon, Justin Bales, Albert J. Swiston, Bersain A. Reyes, Hugo F. Posada-Quintero
  • Patent number: 8682411
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for remotely monitoring physiologic cardiovascular data are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for the delivery of the sensor to the epicardial surface of the heart. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide for a memory device capable of receiving the physiologic cardiovascular data collected by the sensors and transmitting such data wirelessly to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: CVDevices, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Jose Navia
  • Patent number: 8682426
    Abstract: A medical instrument for delivering electrotherapy to tissue that includes an outer support member having a ground plate at a distal end of the outer support member, and a protrusive element having a tip that extends beyond the ground plate. A portion of the protrusive element proximate the ground plate can act as an electrical insulator and a portion of the protrusive element proximate the distal end of the protrusive element can include a first electrode. The protrusive element can be designed to penetrate into tissue below a tissue surface while a tissue contacting surface of the ground plate rests against the tissue surface. Also disclosed are systems incorporating the medical instrument and methods of electrotherapy to subsurface tissue using the medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Old Dominion Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Stephen J. Beebe, Tammo Heeren, Juergen F. Kolb, Shu Xiao, Richard Blomgren, Roelof Trip
  • Patent number: 8682409
    Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: PMT Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred A. Iversen, Benjamin J. Osa, Wade Fredrickson, Joseph Copley, Eric Caillé
  • Publication number: 20140081116
    Abstract: A biosignal measurement electrode includes a liquid retaining member, an electric plate, and a cover member. The liquid retaining member is configured to be elastically deformed and impregnated with conductive liquid, the liquid retaining member including a contact surface configured to be brought into contact with a living body surface. The electric plate is configured to be brought into contact with the conductive liquid. The cover member is configured to be elastically deformed and cover the liquid retaining member except for the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yusaku Nakashima, Haruhiko Soma
  • Publication number: 20140081119
    Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor pad that allows air and moisture to diffuse from a patient's skin. A light source is disposed on the sensor pad is configured to generate near-infrared light. A light detector disposed on the sensor pad is configured to detect near-infrared light generated by the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventors: OLEG GONOPOLSKIY, Arik Anderson
  • Patent number: 8668651
    Abstract: A method for coupling an ECG monitor with an incompatible ECG lead set includes the steps of providing an ECG adapter including an adapter body having at least one monitor connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG monitor and at least one lead set receptacle adapted for coupling to a connector of an ECG lead set incompatible with the input of the ECG monitor, coupling the at least one monitor connector of the adapter body with the input of the ECG monitor and coupling the at least one lead set receptacle of the adapter body with the connector of the ECG lead set to thereby electrically couple the ECG lead set with the ECG monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Burnes, Scott Coggins, Dawn Moore, Dave Selvitelli, Mark Tauer, Kathleen Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20140066737
    Abstract: A sensor may include a substrate having a sensing portion defining a sensor thereon and a circuit mounting portion defining at least one electrically conductive pad that is electrically connected to the sensor. The sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a condition of the patient. An anisotropic medium may be disposed on the circuit mounting portion and may be electrically conductive in a direction through the medium and electrically insulating in directions along the medium. An electrical circuit may be mechanically mounted to the circuit mounting portion of the first substrate via the anisotropic medium with at least one electrically conductive terminal juxtaposed over the at least one electrically conductive pad. The anisotropic medium may establish local electrical contact between the at least one electrically conductive terminal and the at least one electrically conductive pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20140058243
    Abstract: A biosensor electrode device and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The biosensor electrode device comprises a conductive substrate; at least one conductive spring, at least one probe, and an encapsulation member. Two ends of the conductive spring respectively connect with the conductive substrate and the probe. The probe moves close to or far away from the substrate through the elastic deformation of the conductive spring. The encapsulation member wraps the conductive substrate, the conductive springs and the probes but reveals a portion of each probe. The revealed probes contact skin of a testee for biomedical measurement. The device and method of the present invention can reduce the cost in mass-production. The biosensor electrode device will be a mainstream instrument in biomedical measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHIN-TENG LIN, LUN-DE LIAO
  • Patent number: 8660664
    Abstract: A method of forming an implantable medical device includes providing an implantable microstimulator. The microstimulator includes a body with a first end and an opposing second end. The microstimulator further includes internal circuitry that is disposed in the body and that provides stimulation energy. The microstimulator additionally includes a first microstimulator electrode that is electrically coupled to the internal circuitry and that is disposed along the first end portion of the body. The method further includes providing a first lead assembly that includes an insulated conductor with at least one first remote electrode disposed at a distal end of the insulated conductor, and a first connector disposed at a proximal end of the insulated conductor. The first connector is disposed over the first microstimulator electrode to completely cover the first microstimulator electrode. The first connector also electrically couples the insulated conductor to the first microstimulator electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Todd K. Whitehurst, James P. McGivern
  • Patent number: 8660629
    Abstract: A method of monitoring pulmonary oedema in a subject using a processing system. The method includes, determining a measured impedance value for at least two body segments, at least one of the body segments being a thoracic cavity segment. For each body segment, the measured impedance values are used to determine an index, which is in turn used to determine the presence, absence or degree of pulmonary oedema using the determined indices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Impedimed Limited
    Inventor: Scott Matthew Chetham
  • Publication number: 20140039292
    Abstract: A waterproof physiological signal detection device includes at least one electrode pad, a waterproof base layer, at least one water absorption unit, and a waterproof top layer. The electrode pad is positioned on a top surface of the waterproof base layer, and a first receiving compartment formed therebetween. The water absorption unit is positioned in the first receiving compartment. The water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad and s a bottom engaging the waterproof base layer. The waterproof top layer overlaps the waterproof base layer and forms at least one top layer opening that corresponds to and exposes the at least one electrode pad. An undersurface of a circumference of the top layer opening overlaps a circumference of a top surface of the electrode pad with a central portion of the electrode pad projecting through the top layer opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: I-Chen SU, Hong-Hsu HUANG, Shun-Tung YANG
  • Patent number: 8644902
    Abstract: A method for sensing multiple local electric voltages from endocardial surface of a heart, includes: providing a system for sensing multiple local electric voltages from endocardial surface of a heart, including: a first elongate tubular member having a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end; a basket assembly including: a plurality of flexible splines for guiding a plurality of exposed electrodes, the splines having proximal portions, distal portions and medial portions therein between, wherein the electrodes are substantially flat electrodes and are substantially unidirectionally oriented towards a direction outside of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Topera, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kordis, Ruchir Sehra
  • Patent number: 8644904
    Abstract: A flexible dry electrode and the manufacturing method thereof are provided. The electrode has an electroplated uneven surface and at least one hole and is made of porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Chang, Yi-Shiang Ouyang, Wen-Ying Chang
  • Publication number: 20140027314
    Abstract: A binding enhancing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first electrode; a second electrode spaced from the first electrode; a channel unit electrically connected at a portion with the first electrode and electrically connected at another portion with the second electrode; a stimuli source electrically connected with the channel unit and applying an electric stimulus; and probes connected to the channel unit and complementarily bound with target materials to sense.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Young June PARK, Jun Myung WOO, Seok Hyang KIM, Jin Hong AHN
  • Patent number: 8639352
    Abstract: A filar includes an inner conductive core that is formed of a low-resistivity material such as silver having a resistivity of less than 20 ?? per centimeter. A conductive coil is provided around the core to form a filar. This coil is formed of a biocompatible alloy or super alloy having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of between 150 kilo pounds per square inch (ksi) and 280 ksi at room temperature. Examples of such alloys include CoCrMo, CoFeCrMo, and CoFeNiCrMo. In one specific embodiment, the alloy is MP35N (CoNiCrMo), which may be low-titanium (“low-ti”) MP35N. One or more such filars may be included within a wire. This wire may be carried by an implantable medical apparatus such as a lead, lead extension, or catheter. The wire may electrically couple elements such as connector electrodes to conducting electrodes or sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Wang, Bernard Q. Li
  • Patent number: 8634892
    Abstract: An electrode set is disclosed that has two separable parts including an assembled base with printed circuit board basement, biasing member and top cover and an electrode. The basement and top cover may be made by metal or conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: NeuroSky, Inc.
    Inventors: KooHyoung Lee, ByeongHyeop Choi
  • Patent number: 8630699
    Abstract: A method for providing high voltage circuit protection for a patient monitor. The method includes providing a substrate that supports one or more electrical connections to a patient's body. The method further includes determining a print pattern and thickness of a first material having a first resistivity to be printed on the substrate, determining a print pattern and thickness of a second material having a second resistivity to be printed on the substrate, printing the first material onto the substrate, and printing the second material onto the substrate wherein at least part of the second the material overlays the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Eric T. McAdams, James P. Welch, Norbert Ohlenbusch, Thomas P. Blackadar
  • Patent number: 8628724
    Abstract: Methods and systems to collect a sample of bodily fluid from a patient using an integrated needle and test strip assembly are provided. In this novel assembly, the test strip and needle form one unit that captures the sample of blood or interstitial fluid from the patient once the apparatus is pressed to the skin. The hollow aspiration needle includes more than one opening at a distal end, each opening coming into contact with the bodily fluid when disposed within a cutaneous or subcutaneous layer of the patient's skin. The disclosed test strip includes at least one reaction site for testing analyte concentrations and a means for linking to many commercially available test strip meters to provide readout of the analyte concentration. The sample may be captured by capillary flow, by an integrated aspirator, or by a differential vacuum device resident on the test strip meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Todd Kuenstner
  • Patent number: 8626261
    Abstract: Provided are an electrode for a living body and a device for detecting bio-signals using the electrode. The electrode includes an insulation sheet that has at least one via hole, an electrode unit formed in the at least one via hole, and a guiding unit for guiding the attachment of a signal processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-hoon Ko, Jong-pal Kim, Hyung-sok Yeo, Youn-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8623013
    Abstract: An ablation catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen therethrough. A helical structure associated with the catheter distal portion carries a plurality of independently operable electrodes and is transformable between a low-profile configuration wherein a straightening element is positioned in the lumen and an expanded configuration wherein the straightening element is at least partially retracted from the spiral structure. When the helical structure is in the expanded configuration, a laterally offset tip portion extends distally therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Stewart, James Skarda
  • Patent number: 8620399
    Abstract: Medical devices, methods of manufacturing medical devices, and systems comprising medical devices are provided. The medical device comprises a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a major lumen disposed therein extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The major lumen is configured to receive a second medical device therein. The shaft comprises an inner liner, a generally planar element wrapped in a spiral pattern about the outer surface of the inner liner, and an outer layer. The generally planar element has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs and comprises a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Gonda
  • Patent number: 8620398
    Abstract: The present application provides Ag/AgCl based reference electrodes having an extended lifetime that are suitable for use in long term amperometric sensors. Electrochemical sensors equipped with reference electrodes described herein demonstrate considerable stability and extended lifetime in a variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Zenghe Liu
  • Publication number: 20130345535
    Abstract: When applying shielded ECG leads to a patient, during the presence of strong RF signals such as electrocautery, high currents may flow through the cable capacitance to the shield and from there back to the patient via another cable capacitance and electrode, thus causing skin burnings. Such high currents can be reduced dramatically when the shields of the lead cable are separated by means of connecting series resistances into the shield conductors. Implementing these resistors into a ECG trunk cable allows the usage of uniform lead cables for all applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Willi Elschenbroich
  • Patent number: 8613701
    Abstract: A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: IP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Raman K. Rao, Sunil K. Rao, Rekha K. Rao
  • Patent number: 8597338
    Abstract: An intracerebral probe (11) comprising a first part (20) with laser or cryogenic treatment means and further comprising a hollow second part (22) surrounding the first, the first part sliding inside the second part along its longitudinal axis (A); and a plurality of detectors (16) distributed along a portion of the second part (22) in such a manner as to be capable of identifying a brain dysfunction zone along the longitudinal axis (A) of the second part. Advantageously, the probe presents a lateral treatment window enabling the action of the treatment means to be directed. The invention also provides a kit and a treatment system including such a probe, and the use thereof of treating cell dysfunctions that give rise to neurological or psychiatric symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris
    Inventor: Alexandre Carpentier
  • Publication number: 20130317333
    Abstract: A wearable sensor and method for providing a wearable sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the wearable sensor comprises at least one power source and a first module coupled to the at least one power source. The first module includes a first outer shell and a first printed circuit board (PCB) within the first outer shell. The wearable sensor further comprises a second module coupled to the first module. The second module includes a second outer shell and a second PCB within the second outer shell. One of the first and second modules is disposable and the other of the first and second modules is reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: VIGILO NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Yun YANG, Azin SAHABI
  • Patent number: 8594763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological recording electrode, and, more particularly, to an EEG (electroencephalography) recording electrode that can be used without the need for numerous steps in preparing the subject's skin and the electrode itself. The invention further relates to a surface feature or penetrator with a size and shape which that will not bend or break, which limits the depth of application, and/or anchors the electrode or other device during normal application; and a packaging system comprising a well and electrolytic fluid for maintaining a coating of said electrolytic fluid on the surface feature or penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: NeuroWave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Bibian, Tatjana Zikov
  • Patent number: 8594764
    Abstract: An apparatus and processing method for assessing the electrical potential of cells in a living organism using a high-density sensor array having a density of at least about 9 electrodes per square inch for measuring the potential of the static and quasi-static electromagnetic fields of the group of cells proximal to each electrode, where the array can be placed overlying at least a portion of a surface of a living organism with substantially all of the electrodes electrically contactable with such surface, and the surface overlying a site containing cells of clinical interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jon Rice, Barry H. Hirschowitz
  • Patent number: 8591599
    Abstract: An assembly may include a plurality of electrode contacts adapted to receive myoelectric signals from a body when placed into contact with the body. The assembly may also include a support structure adapted to support the electrode contacts. The assembly may also include a prosthetic liner, the support structure being embedded in the prosthetic liner. The electrode contacts may be positioned to be extending through openings in the prosthetic liner. The assembly may also include signal processing circuitry adapted to process the myoelectric signals from the body. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rahul R. Kaliki, Neha Malhotra, Girish Singhal, Nitish V. Thakor
  • Patent number: 8594761
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Victorine, Steven R. Conger, Greg Kampa, Dorab N. Sethna, Daniel Ephraim, Sean Matthew Desmond
  • Patent number: 8594568
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of transferring application data (F1, F2) from a first device (Ds) to a second device (DT1, DT2), which method comprises exchanging, through the body of a user (2) touching a touch interface (210) of the first device (Ds), connection-related data (4) between the first device (Ds) and a memory device (1), which memory device (1) is conveyed on the person of the user (2). Application data (F1, F2) is transferred from the first device (Ds) to the memory device (1) over a connection, between the first device (Ds) and the memory device (1), established on the basis of the connection-related data (4), and stored in a memory (220) of the memory device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Falck
  • Patent number: 8588883
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring muscle activity related to bruxism, said apparatus comprising:—an electrode assembly for providing signals indicative of said muscle activity, means for processing said signals in order to detect said bruxism, and means for providing a feedback signal in response to detecting said bruxism; wherein said electrode assembly comprises three electrodes in a fixed spatial relationship one to another, each electrode having a contact area for electrical connection with the skin which is spaced from the contact area of each other electrode in the electrode assembly by at least 2 mm, the maximum distance from an edge of one electrode contact area to the furthest edge of the furthest away of the other electrode contact areas being not greater than 60 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sunstar Suisse SA
    Inventors: Faramarz Jadidi, Claus Steen
  • Patent number: 8588884
    Abstract: In certain variations, methods, systems and/or devices for enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject's skin using one or more microneedle electrodes are provided. A microneedle electrode may be applied to the subject's skin by placing the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject's skin. The microneedles of the microneedle electrode may be inserted into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to or through dermis of the skin. An electrical signal passes or is conducted through or across the microneedle electrode and the subject's skin, where impedance of the microneedle electrode is minimal and greatly reduced compared to existing technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: EMKinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Amit Rajguru, Daniel Rogers Burnett, Christopher Hermanson
  • Publication number: 20130303871
    Abstract: A measurement system for acquiring biopotentials is provided, which comprises a sensor device and a processing device, which are electrically connected to cooperate during use. The measurement system may be capable of simultaneous measurement of biopotentials by the sensor device and wireless transmission of amplified biopotentials by the processing device, and may be provided with means for preventing the measurements from being disturbed by the transmissions. Also disclosed are (i) a sensor device for measuring a biopotential having at least one sensor with a measurement electrode for measuring the biopotential at a measurement portion of a body and (ii) a processing device for processing biopotentials that has at least one sensor input for receiving the amplified biopotentials measured by a sensor of the sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Rutger Alexander BREST VAN KEMPEN, Alexander Adriaan HUNTELERSLAG
  • Patent number: 8583206
    Abstract: The invention refers to a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor and a method for monitoring physiological parameters of a person, a textile fabric and a use of a textile fabric. An sensor arrangement is described that is suited to improve signal quality and suppress noise, for instance in remote capacitive sensing of body parameters. To achieve this, certain textile fabrics are used, preferably integrated into textile used in a bed, e.g. the blanket, the bed cover, or the mattress. These textile fabrics allow for a suppression of electromagnetic interference from external sources and can be arranged to avoid charge build-up during measurements, in particular those caused by movements of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Brauers, Alexander Douglas, Harald Reiter, Xavier Aubert
  • Patent number: 8579786
    Abstract: Apparatus and method support a neurological event screening for a medical device. The medical device assists a user in determining a configuration of the medical device for delivering an effective treatment for a nervous system disorder. The medical device detects a neurological event, such as a seizure, and reports a neurological event focus location and a neurological event spread to the user. The user may use the information to provide a configuration of a therapeutic delivery unit and associated therapy parameters. Therapeutic treatment is delivered to the patient, and the medical device is provided an indication of the patient's acceptance to the treatment. The user may modify the configuration and therapy parameters in order to achieve efficacy and acceptance. Depending upon the patient's acceptance, therapy is applied in either an open loop mode or a closed loop mode. The medical device determines whether the treatment is successful in accordance with a criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Osorio, Mark G. Frei, Naresh C. Bhavaraju, Thomas E. Peters, Nina M. Graves, Scott F. Schaffner, Jonathon E. Giftakis, Mark T. Rise, Jonathan C. Werder
  • Patent number: 8583215
    Abstract: A method for position sensing includes inserting a probe having a first probe-electrode and a second probe-electrode into a body of a subject, and coupling body-surface electrodes to a surface of the body. Currents passing between the first probe-electrode and the body-surface electrodes are measured, using first circuitry coupled to at least the first probe-electrode and having a first electrical ground, and position coordinates of the probe are determined responsively to the measured currents. Second circuitry, having a second electrical ground, is coupled to at least the second probe-electrode, and the first electrical ground is isolated from the second electrical ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoav Lichtenstein
  • Patent number: 8577446
    Abstract: Described herein are stress detection systems and methods of using such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Bobby Kyle, Vardis Benson, Gabe Abreo
  • Publication number: 20130289376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical electrode (1) comprising an electrode head (2) and an electric feed line (3) to the electrode head (2), said teed line (3) having an electrically conductive shielding layer (4), a dielectric element (5), and an electric conductor (6). The feed line (3) has an elongate substrate element (7) onto which the electrically conductive shielding layer (4) is at least partly printed. The at least partly printed shielding layer (4) entirely surrounds the dielectric element (5) and the electric conductor (6) transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the feed line (3). The shielding layer comprises an upper (4a) and a lower (4b) shielding ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Leonh. Lang
    Inventor: Burrhus Lang
  • Patent number: 8568313
    Abstract: A user wearable portable communication device and a method for collecting and transmitting a plurality of physiological parameters to a remote monitoring center are disclosed. The portable communication device includes a provision for enabling the user to establish a video conference, a fall detection module in conjunction with an accelerometer recognizes a placement of the portable communication device, a home automation module for enabling the user to remotely operate multiple electronic devices, an acknowledgment acceptance module for receiving the acknowledgment, a physiological data collecting module communicatively coupled to a fetal doppler module for monitoring and transmitting the physiological parameters associated with a child, multiple preprogrammed contact numbers for enabling the user to establish a communication, a subscriber identity module for enabling the user establish a communication and data transmission between the portable communication device and the remote monitoring center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Rajendra Padma Sadhu
  • Patent number: 8565870
    Abstract: A system implantable components (32, 36, 38, 40) for providing therapy to or monitoring the physiologic state of living tissue. The components exchange signals over implanted bus (34). The bus includes a trunk (84) and at least one branch (14) The at least one branch is connected to and able to move relative to the trunk. Signals are inductively exchanged between the branch and the one or more trunks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Malackowski, John J. Janik
  • Publication number: 20130274562
    Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Roozbeh Ghaffari, Stephen P. Lee, Brian Elolampi