Head-supported Patents (Class 607/139)
  • Patent number: 12642645
    Abstract: A surgically implanted ocular optical array that can be used in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications is described. A device configured to be implanted in an eye includes: an imaging system that receives visible light incoming to the eye; optical source generating circuitry that generates an optical signal based on the light received by the imaging system; and an optical phased array (OPA) that generates and projects an image onto a retina of the eye in which the device is implanted, the image being based on the optical signal generated by the optical source generating circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: GLAIVE MEDICAL OPTICS, INC
    Inventors: Wayne H. Woods, Jr., Christopher Shelby
  • Patent number: 12465264
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a solid body for a biomedical device, wearable by a patient and configured to acquire one or more physiological parameters of the patient. The solid body includes a first rigid portion, a second rigid portion and a connection portion of flexible type which couples the first and the second rigid portions to each other; and a control circuitry accommodated inside the first and/or the second rigid portions. The connection portion is interposed between the first and the second rigid portions, is integral therewith and is deformable so as to allow a relative movement of the first and the second rigid portions. The first and the second rigid portions are physically couplable to a first and to a second ECG electrode to couple the solid body to the torso of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2025
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Gumiero, Luigi Della Torre
  • Patent number: 12434049
    Abstract: The neuromodulation system can include a headpiece comprising. The headpiece can include a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the first surface of the headpiece, each of the plurality of electrodes can have a known spatial relationship to each other. The neuromodulation system can include at least one placement marker coupled to the second surface. The at least one placement marker can have a known spatial relationship to each of the plurality of electrodes in order to facilitate correct positioning of the headpiece relative to an anatomical feature of a user. The neuromodulation system can include an electrical signal generator in communication with the plurality of electrodes, and a controller device in communication with the electrical signal generator and configured to operate the electrical signal generator in order to generate an electrical stimulation using the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignees: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Kelvin O. Lim, Jazmin Camchong
  • Patent number: 12420095
    Abstract: An earpiece including a frame with an over ear portion and a lower portion including an upper arm including at least a first electrode and a lower arm including at least a second electrode, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are flexible and resilient to mount the earpiece in a user's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: ALGIAMED LTD
    Inventors: Corlius Birkill, Lourend Carl Lurock Höll, Tyrone Donovan Patrick, Francesca Marsili, Barend Jacques Swart, Renaldo Goosen
  • Patent number: 12415090
    Abstract: A laser irradiation device for performing treatment on human skin includes a main body including a barrel part; a laser oscillator that is accommodated in the main body and configured to generate a laser beam to be irradiated through the barrel part; and a skin treatment unit including a lens unit detachably connected to the main body and including a multi-lens that processes the laser beam generated by the laser oscillator into a plurality of laser beams and a functional unit detachably connected to the lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Lameditech CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Choi, Bong Kyoon Jeong, Myung Su Jang, Ju Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 12402804
    Abstract: A system for measuring an angle of a joint of a user includes a center hub, a first arm, a second arm, a magnet, and a sensor. The center hub includes a first hub and a second hub. The first arm is configured for attachment to a first limb portion of the user at a first outer end and to the first hub at a first inner end. The second arm is configured for attachment to a second limb portion of the user at a second outer end and to the second hub at a second inner end, wherein the first hub is pivotally coupled to the second hub. The magnet is coupled to the second hub. The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: ROM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Adam Hacking, Sucheta Tamragouri, Jeff Cote, Daniel Lipszyc, Mikael Taveras
  • Patent number: 12402805
    Abstract: A system for measuring an angle of a joint of a user includes a center hub, a first arm, a second arm, a magnet, and a sensor. The center hub includes a first hub and a second hub. The first arm is configured for attachment to a first limb portion of the user at a first outer end and to the first hub at a first inner end. The second arm is configured for attachment to a second limb portion of the user at a second outer end and to the second hub at a second inner end, wherein the first hub is pivotally coupled to the second hub. The magnet is coupled to the second hub. The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: ROM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Adam Hacking, Sucheta Tamragouri, Jeff Cote, Daniel Lipszyc, Mikael Taveras
  • Patent number: 12383742
    Abstract: A device for relieving headache and pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders, the device including a body having a neck band worn on a user's neck, first connectors extending forwardly from both ends of the neck band by first set lengths, and second connectors extending upwardly from front ends of the first connectors by second set lengths; first low frequency electrostimulators disposed on the second connectors and coming into close contact with the temporalis muscles, when the body is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the temporalis muscles; and second low frequency electrostimulators disposed on the connected portions between the first connectors and the second connectors and coming into close contact with the masseter muscles, when the body is worn on the user's head, to apply low frequencies to the masseter muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2025
    Assignee: PTBRO Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Hun Kim, Won Sik Bae, Jae Hyeong Oh, Dong Jin You
  • Patent number: 12285618
    Abstract: A headset for positioning an electronic device against a head of a patient includes a flexible frame configured to surround a portion of the head, the flexible frame defining an interior channel and an exterior slot, a curved structure configured to grasp an ear of the patient, the curved structure being movable within the interior channel of the flexible frame for accommodating a size of the head, and a mount including a support base to which the electronic device can be attached, the mount being slidable along the exterior slot of the flexible frame to position the electronic device along the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: CURONIX LLC
    Inventors: Laura Tyler Perryman, Chad David Andresen
  • Patent number: 12067170
    Abstract: A device for motion sickness reduction, directional indication, and neural rehabilitation that provides three modes of operation. The device operates by providing haptic feedback using transducers that convert electrical signals to a tactile sensation such as pressure, vibration, electrical stimulation, temperature, or airflow. The transducers are located at different locations on the body of a user, and actively change their operation to indicate a direction of motion or rotation to the user through haptic (tactile) feedback. This tactile feedback can be used to reduce motion sickness, provide directional indication, and enhance neural rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: NEUROHAPTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Evgene Fainstain
  • Patent number: 12023164
    Abstract: A headpiece, acquisition device, system and method for making electroencephalography (EEG) measurements. The EEG headpiece fits, or adjusts to fit, on a person's scalp, each of a plurality of electrodes is located in the headpiece corresponding to selected respective positions on the scalp, the electrodes are electrically connected to at least one electrical transmitter, and the headpiece is attached to the scalp after the electrodes have been located in the headpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: RHYTHMLINK INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Alkire
  • Patent number: 12017068
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for providing antiemetic therapy through neuromodulation include positioning a first electrode against or at least partially into a first tissue region on or surrounding a subject's ear such that the first electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more first neural structures, positioning a second electrode against or at least partially into a second tissue region on or surrounding the ear such that the second electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more second neural structures, delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for modulating peripheral activity via modulating central neural autonomic structures, and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for increasing availability of central norepinephrine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Melanie McWade
  • Patent number: 11957485
    Abstract: A hat (200) for a neonate (120) comprising: a central portion (201), a first side portion (202) and second side portion (203) attached to opposite sides of the central portion (201), a first fastener (208); a top flap (204) and a second fastener (211). The hat (200) has an unfolded configuration and a worn configuration. In the unfolded configuration the first and second portions (202, 203) extend away from each other from the central portion (201) in opposite directions. In the worn configuration the hat (200) wraps a neonate's head with the central portion (201) in contact with the back of the neonate's head, the first portion (202) wrapped around a first side of the neonate's head and the second portion (203) wrapped around a second side of the neonate's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: SUREPULSE MEDICAL LIMITED, THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
    Inventors: James Carpenter, Barrie Hayes-Gill, Caroline Henry, Don Sharkey, Lara Shipley
  • Patent number: 11938312
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing a therapy delivery device relative to a burr hole and method for making same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base for seating in or near the burr hole. The apparatus may further include a stabilizer that may be engaged with the therapy delivery device. The stabilizer may include a surface coating or treatment operable to enhance frictional engagement with the therapy delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Schulte, Matthew H. Adams, Shahn S. Sage, Lynn M. Otten
  • Patent number: 11883643
    Abstract: A device for a soft tissue treatment of a patient. The device includes an applicator including at least one electrode, a fastening mechanism to fix the applicator to a body part of a patient, and a control unit including a microprocessor to control the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode may provide a radiofrequency energy and an electric current. The radiofrequency energy may cause a heating of a soft tissue. The electric current may cause a muscle contraction. The body part includes a face or a chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S.
    Inventor: Tomás Schwarz
  • Patent number: 11850420
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a brain stimulation systems, devices and methods to: induce lucid reality; improve sleep; improve motor performance; improve learning; enhance gaming activities; improve mental health; and any combination thereof. The system comprises at least one head mounted device; at least one power supply unit; at least one communication unit; at least one microcontroller; at least one external device; and at least one cloud-based storing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: NYX Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomer Aharonovitch, Ophir Orenstein
  • Patent number: 11818550
    Abstract: As described in some examples of this disclosure, a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing instrument comprises processing circuity, a battery that stores energy for use by the processing circuitry, and a housing that contains a receiver configured to output sound. The receiver is positioned within the hearing instrument posterior to the processing circuitry and the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Joseph Johnson
  • Patent number: 11794006
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a brain stimulation systems, devices and methods to: induce lucid reality; improve sleep; improve motor performance; improve learning; enhance gaming activities; improve mental health; and any combination thereof. The system comprises at least one head mounted device; at least one power supply unit; at least one communication unit; at least one microcontroller; at least one external device; and at least one cloud-based storing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: NYX Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomer Aharonovitch, Ophir Orenstein
  • Patent number: 11779753
    Abstract: A method of guiding positioning of a headset for transcranial brain stimulation on a head of a user of the headset is disclosed The method includes: capturing, using a camera, one or more head images depicting the head; detecting, in the one or more head images, features of the head; creating, using the detected features of the head, a model of the head; computing, using the model of the head, an intended headset position on the head; and displaying, on a display, a representation of the headset as an overlay on an image of the head of the user. Also a kit includes a headset for transcranial brain stimulation, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is disclosed, which configures an electronic device to perform the method of guiding positioning of a headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: FLOW NEUROSCIENCE AB
    Inventors: Daniel Månsson, Erik Rehn
  • Patent number: 11660054
    Abstract: Embodiments related to methods and wearable medical detecting systems for detecting disease states and/or treatment states of a subject are described. In one embodiment, a wearable structure may include one or more radiation detectors use to detect a time varying radiation signal emitted from a labeled compound within a body portion of interest. The radiation signal may be analyzed to determine one or more signal characteristics that may be compared to one or more predetermined standard characteristics associated with known disease and/or treatment states to determine a current disease and/or treatment state of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Biogen MA Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Verma, Elliot Greenblatt, Ira Spool, Seth O. Newburg, Guy M. Danner, Ara N. Knaian, Rachel M. Chaney, John W. Hoppin
  • Patent number: 11647956
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an electroencephalogram system and method. A novel electrode holder provides multiple net grooves for quick attachment and detachment from an electroencephalogram net. The electrode holder further includes a slot adapted to receive a tab that holds the electrode securely in place. The electrode holder can be configured to operate without gel by using sponges containing water or saline solution that provides moisture for enhancing conductivity. The electrode holder can alternatively be configured to operate with gel by using a tab that keeps the gel in contact with the electrode, for situations that warrant the use of gel instead of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Neurofeedback-Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Feiner
  • Patent number: 11622709
    Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices for sensing bioelectrical potential including an electroencephalography (EEG) headset, electrodes compatible therewith, and methods of operation thereof. The headset can comprise a left junction and a right junction, a plurality of length-adjustable bands connecting the left junction and the right junction, and a number of electrodes. Each of the electrodes can comprise an electrode body coupled to one of the plurality of length-adjustable bands and a detachable electrode tip configured to be detachably coupled to the electrode body. The electrode tip can comprise an electrode tip body, one or more deflectable electrode legs coupled to the electrode tip body, and a conductive cushioning material coupled to a segment of at least one of the one or more electrode legs. The conductive cushioning material can retain or be saturated with one or more conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Zeto, Inc.
    Inventors: Aswin K. Gunasekar, Christopher Bramley Fruhauf, Florian Strelzyk
  • Patent number: 11602632
    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: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Jan Patrick Frieding, Ivana Popovac
  • Patent number: 11565091
    Abstract: A method for influencing cerebral perfusion in a patient by modifying a volume of a volume adaptor introduced into a cerebral ventricle of the patient, the method comprising identifying a timing of a cerebral blood inflow and/or outflow in a cardiac activity of the patient, modifying a volume of the volume adaptor in synchronization to the identified timing of the cerebral blood flow, to an amount sufficient to modify an intracranial pressure in the cerebral ventricle, such that a flow of the cerebral blood flow is enhanced. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the inflation duration of the volume adapter is short relative to the cardiac cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd., Tel HaShomer Medical Research Infrastructare and Services Ltd., Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer Barnea, Omer Doron
  • Patent number: 10980440
    Abstract: An electrode device is disclosed that is removably implantable at least partially in a bone or other tissue. The electrode device includes a head and a shaft connected to the head. The shaft has a shaft body extending distally from the head in an axial direction of the shaft, and a conductive element including a conductive surface at a distal end of the shaft. A plurality of discrete anchor elements can project from an outer surface of the shaft body in a transverse direction of the shaft. A conductive wire can be permanently fixed to a proximal end surface of the conductive element, the end surface being located in or adjacent the head. The head can have a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. An electrode array and a reamer tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: EPI-MINDER PTY LTD
    Inventors: Christopher Edward Williams, Owen Burns
  • Patent number: 10893821
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an encephalographic electrode assembly can include a wicking element that has a wick body, one or more long legs extending from the wick body and inserted into the one or more hollow contact probes, and one or more short legs, which are shorter than the long legs, extending from the wick body and inserted into the one or more short reservoir sleeves. The short legs are configured to prevent slide-out of the wicking element from the reservoir body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: EncephaloDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Chris Sackellares, Scott Bearden, Micah Streiff
  • Patent number: 10773080
    Abstract: A system and method for the acute non-invasive treatment of a migraine attack. The system includes at least one skin electrode for placement on the forehead of a patient, and is configured to provide consecutive biphasic electrical pulses via the at least one skin electrode to the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve during a prolonged time span which may be for at least 10 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CEFALY TECHNOLOGY SPRL
    Inventor: Pierre Rigaux
  • Patent number: 10248202
    Abstract: A video display apparatus includes a display configured to reproduce a video, a processor configured to generate a signal for applying an electrical stimulus to a user, based on a motion depicted in the video, and a communication unit configured to transmit the signal to an electrical stimulation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-ki Jung, Hyun-ki Kim, Jae-min Moon, Chi-yul Yoon, Sang-min Lee, Seong-hyun Jang
  • Patent number: 10172526
    Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes a physiological sensor and a motion sensor connected to a patient. The physiological sensor detects patient connection to the sensor and collects a physiological signal while connected. When the physiological sensor is disconnected, the motion sensor data is analyzed. Patterns of sensor connection and patient movement typical for nurse initiated removal compared to accidental or patient initiated removals are created. The alarm protocol may be modified if the disconnection is due to patient movement. The detected movement patterns may include movement measurements that are close to the sensor that detects how the actual disconnection happens, or general movement information for the patient such as whether the patient has been still or has moved before the sensor gets disconnected. By using this information to classify the reason of the sensor removal, a more relevant alarm may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kimmo Henrik Uutela, Matti Veli Tapani Huiku, Emma Elina Ikonen
  • Patent number: 10076279
    Abstract: An EEG headset including an amplifier assembly, a headband assembly formed of a right and a left headband arm and an amplifier platform, a right and left lateral support assembly, at least one hinge assembly connecting at least one of the right or left lateral support assemblies to at least one of the right or left curved arms, and at least one EEG electrode assembly formed of a lead and an electrode. The electrode is in electrical communication with the amplifier assembly via electrical connections within the headset assembly and one of the right and left lateral support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Neba Health, LLC
    Inventor: Altan Nahum
  • Patent number: 9744359
    Abstract: Methods and devices for verifying that proper visual stimulation is applied to the visual prostheses are described. In one of the methods, a visual stimulation system implanted on a subject is simulated externally. An external testing device is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neha Vyas, Robert J. Greenberg, Arup Roy, Donald Webber, Richard Agustin Castro, John Reinhold, Kelly McClure
  • Patent number: 9713712
    Abstract: A system for electrically stimulating a user comprising: a first housing portion defining an array of openings; an array of permeable bodies with portions exposed through the array of openings and wetted with a solution that facilitates electrical coupling between the system and a body region of the user, wherein each permeable body has a cavity at a proximal portion and a distal portion and is configured to transmit the solution to the body region of the user; a substrate region defining an array of protrusions configured to support the array of permeable bodies and composed of a conductive polymer; and a set of conductors in communication with the substrate region and including a first conductor that provides a first subset of the array of permeable bodies with a first polarity and a second conductor that provides a second subset of the array of permeable bodies with a second polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Halo Neuro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Tal Bar-Or, Colin Davis, Victoria Hammett, Randall Lin
  • Patent number: 9532748
    Abstract: With explosive penetration of portable electronic devices (PEDs) recent focus into consumer EEG devices has been to bring advantages including localized wireless interfacing, portability, and a low-cost high-performance electronics platform to host the processing algorithms to bear. However, most development continues to focus on brain-controlled video games which are nearly identical to those created for earlier, more stationary consumer EEG devices and personal EEG is treated as of a novelty or toy. According to embodiments of the invention the inventors have established new technologies and solutions that address these limitations within the prior art and provide benefits including, but not limited to, global acquisition and storage of acquired EEG data and processed EEG data, development interfaces for expansion and re-analysis of acquired EEG data, integration to other non-EEG derived user data, and long-term user wearability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Personal Neuro Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Denison, Andrew Stephen Faulkner, Tony Gaitatzis, Arwen Moore, Chad Veinotte, Bruno Daoust, Elliott Alfred Loh
  • Patent number: 9433773
    Abstract: A cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device includes a head support, a control unit configured to provide a stimulating current, and a primary arm module. The primary arm module includes a primary arm and an electrode unit. The primary arm is pivotally connected to the head support and is longitudinally extendible. The electrode unit is disposed at the primary arm and includes an electrode that is electrically coupled to the control unit and that forms a path for transmission of the stimulating current to a stimulating point of a subject when the electrode is placed in direct contact with the stimulating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Contour Optik Inc.
    Inventors: David Chao, Chien-Ho Lin, Yung-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 9278208
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a deep brain stimulation device using miniaturized components that allow integration with the implanted probe, and includes a skull-sited housing having all the controls and battery power supply for sensing events and generating and transmitting pulses in response to the sensed event. A processor based controller with memory within the skull-sited housing for executing monitoring instructions for sensing initiation of an unwanted electro-physiologically signaled event and recording the event in memory and triggering instructions for activating the stimulator to generate and record a treatment pulse in response to the sensed event and an interface between the processor based controller and a treatment provider for downloading the recorded event and treatment response and modifying the monitoring and triggering sets of instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Gilson, Nizam Razack
  • Patent number: 9179850
    Abstract: A form of neuromodulation is conveyed from an external source to an interior of the skull to modulate neural activity. One or more apertures are formed through or partially through the skull to provide an interface for neuromodulation delivery. Parameters of one or more states of the brain may be sensed through an interface formed with one or more apertures extending all or part of the way through the skull. A device provides an interface between the exterior of the skull and the brain that includes a channel of a length sufficient to traverse the entire thickness of the skull or at least a part of the thickness of the skull. The channels may be configured for ion conduction of electrical signals, enabling DC or near DC stimulation of target neurons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless
  • Patent number: 9101756
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a burr hole plug assembly offer significant improvements for allowing lead and/or cannula access through a burr hole drilled through a patient's skull in connection with a Deep Brain Stimulation system, and subsequent sealing of such burr hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne M Pianca, Carla M Mann, Tom Xiaohai He, Michael Dogali
  • Patent number: 9058473
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for authentication and identification of a user by use of an electroencephalographic (EEG) signal. For example, a method for authenticating a user includes the following steps. At least one electroencephalographic response is obtained from a user in accordance with perceptory stimuli presented to the user. The user is authenticated based on the obtained electroencephalographic response. The authenticating step may be based on detection of an event-related potential in the obtained electroencephalographic response. The event-related potential may be a P300 event-related potential. The method may also include the step of enrolling the user prior to authenticating the user. The enrolling step may include a supervised enrollment procedure or an unsupervised enrollment procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jiri Navratil, Bhuvana Ramabhadran
  • Publication number: 20150148713
    Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing between tissues being stimulated is provided. The apparatus includes an electric source capable of generating an applied electric field across a region of tissue and/or a means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue relative to the applied electric field and an interface component, such interface component creating an interface between the region of tissue and the applied electric field or the means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Wagner, Uri Tzvi Eden
  • Patent number: 9043001
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20150142078
    Abstract: An external, head worn electrical nerve stimulation device is disclosed that includes a head band including inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of holes each including an interior surface. The device also includes a plurality of mounting baskets disposed within the holes and each including a cylindrical retaining member, and a plurality of biasing arms extending from the interior surface to the retaining member. The biasing arms are to bias the retaining member toward the inner surface, and the head band, the retaining members, and the biasing arms are all monolithically formed as a single piece. Further, the device includes a plurality of electrodes, disposed within the retaining members and biased into engagement with a patient's head. The plurality of electrodes is configured to stimulate, at least one of the greater occipital nerve, the lesser occipital nerve, the supraorbital nerve, the supratrochlear nerve, zygomatotemporal nerve, and the auriculotemporal nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Ioannis Mihail Skaribas
  • Publication number: 20150141529
    Abstract: A method for alleviating centralized pain in human subjects includes assessing the brain of a subject suffering from pain, diagnosing abnormal brain function associated with centralized pain, locating at least one area of abnormal brain function associated with the centralized pain, and alleviating the abnormal brain function by applying a cortical stimulation signal to tissues corresponding to the at least one area of abnormal brain function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Hargrove
  • Patent number: 9037268
    Abstract: The portable, wearable, proximal Alzheimer's disease treatment invention is based upon creating an RF field of particular frequencies and intensities that are applied to the patient's head. To accomplish the aforementioned disease treatment functionality, a system was invented comprising a network of antennas connected to an RF generator via a feedline connector. The invention also provides methods for using measurements to monitor and manage the effectiveness of an ongoing disease treatment regimen, and databases which contain information about measurements, variables, and their relationships to clinical outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Eric A. Knight
  • Publication number: 20150133761
    Abstract: A three-dimensional neural probe electrode array system is described. Planar probes are microfabricated and electrically connected to flexible micro-machined ribbon cables using a rivet bonding technique. The distal end of each cable is connected to a probe with the proximal end of the cable being customized for connection to a printed circuit board. Final assembly consists of combining multiple such assemblies into a single structure. Each of the two-dimensional neural probe arrays is positioned into a micro-machined platform that provides mechanical support and alignment for each array. Lastly, a micro-machined cap is placed on top of each neural electrode probe and cable assembly to protect them from damage during shipping and subsequent use. The cap provides a relatively planar surface for attachment of a computer controlled inserter for precise insertion into the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Rio J. Vetter, Jamille Farraye Hetke, David S. Pellinen, Bencharong Suwarato, Kc Kong
  • Publication number: 20150119968
    Abstract: A stimulation device for the application of a transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear, which includes a holding element an electrode arranged in a electrode carrier. The holding element has a linear guide. A resting part is arranged at the holding element. The holding rod has a first axis and runs from a first position, which adjoins to the linear guide, to a second position, which adjoins to the electrode carrier. The resting part defines a first plane with a resting area at the ear, on which area a second axis is arranged perpendicular. The first axis and the second axis span a middle plane. The holding rod lies at the first position in the middle plane and departs from the middle plane from the run from the first position to the second position in a first rod section until a reversal point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas ZSCHAECK, Stefan BAER, Andreas HARTLEP, Wolf Gerhard FRENKEL
  • Patent number: 9020598
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9014823
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9008780
    Abstract: Methods for bridging brain sites between which there is substantially no effective communication, and associated neural prosthetic devices, are provided. A neural spike in a first neural site in a subject is detected, and a stimulus to a second neural site in the subject is delivered within a defined period of time after the detection of the neural spike, wherein there is substantially no effective communication between the first and second neural sites. The method forms an artificial bridge between the two neural sites, and establishes lasting communication between the two sites. The present disclosure provides, among other things, a neural prosthetic device comprising an integrated circuit that comprises a recording front-end comprising a plurality of recording channels; a processor unit; and a stimulus delivering back-end comprising a plurality of stimulation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Case Western Reserve University, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Randolph J. Nudo, David Guggenmos, Pedram Mohseni, Meysam Azin
  • Publication number: 20150080986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying a transcutaneous electrical stimulation stimulus to the surface of a section of the human ear, which comprises a retaining element which is mountable on or in the ear and a number of electrodes which are arranged on or in an electrode carrier, wherein the device comprises a control apparatus which controls or regulates the generation of a potential difference between the electrodes. In order to permit an improved and safer transcutaneous stimulation the invention proposes that at least three electrodes are arranged on or in the electrode carrier, wherein the at least three electrodes are located in one plane, wherein the position of at least one of the at least three electrodes is adjustable on the electrode carrier and wherein the at least one electrode of which the position is adjustable is mounted such as to be displaceable in a translational manner in the plane. Furthermore, the invention relates a method for the operation of such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: cerbomed GmbH
    Inventors: Jens ELLRICH, Christoph BECK, Wolf Gerhard FRENKEL, Andreas HARTLEP
  • Patent number: 8977364
    Abstract: An external, head worn electrical nerve stimulation device, including a power source and a head band configured to fit around a patient's head, the patient's head including a front portion, a rear portion opposite the front portion, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The device further includes a plurality of electrical electrodes circumferentially disposed along the head band, wherein the plurality of electrodes contacts each of the front portion, the rear portion, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side. The plurality of electrical electrodes is configured to stimulate, with electrical current, at least one of the greater occipital nerve, the lesser occipital nerve, the supraorbital nerve, the supratrochlear nerve, zygomatotemporal nerve, and the auriculotemporal nerve when the electrodes are energized by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Ioannis Mihail Skaribas, Christopher Atkinson Durst