Head-supported Patents (Class 607/139)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150025590
    Abstract: A physical health cap application system include an electrode cap configured to fit the head of any person, and a main unit including a DC-stimulator plus and a positive and negative DC current generator unit electrically connected to the electrode cap for controlling the electrode cap to discharge a direct electrical current into predetermined regions of interest in the cerebral cortex of the head of a person to help relieve pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Chih-Lung Cheng
  • Publication number: 20150018925
    Abstract: A stimulation device for transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear comprises a holding element attached at or in the ear and at least two electrodes arranged in or at an electrode carrier, wherein the at least two electrodes are separated from another at the electrode carrier by an electrically isolating section. To obtain a good electrical conductibility of the electrodes at high ear comfort, the at least two electrodes are covered by a casing element, the casing element comprises at least two cover elements, wherein each of the at least two cover elements comprises a retaining region for an electrode; the material of the cover elements is electrically conductive or can be made electrically conductive; the casing element comprises at least one isolation section made of electrically isolating material; the isolating section connects at least two cover elements with another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas ZSCHAECK, Andreas HARTLEP
  • Publication number: 20150018926
    Abstract: A stimulation device for transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear comprises a holding element attached at or in the ear, at least two electrodes arranged in or at an electrode carrier. To obtain high contact quality of the electrodes with high wearing comfort, the holding element consists of one part designed as holding bow for placement between the surface of the head and the Pinna (P) of the device wearer, the other part designed as connection element between the holding bow and the electrode carrier; between the holding bow and the connection element a hinge joint is arranged such that use of the device allows swivel movement of the connection element relatively to the holding bow around an axis (S) parallel or under an angle (?) of less than 30° to the straight ahead viewing direction (G) of the device wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Wolf Gerhard FRENKEL, Thomas ZSCHAECK, Andreas HARTLEP
  • Patent number: 8934983
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for mapping a high resolution image to a lower resolution electrode array and, by applying varying stimulus to neighboring electrodes, creating a perceived image greater in resolution than the electrode array. The invention is applicable to a wide range of neural stimulation devices including artificial vision and artificial hearing. By applying a sub-threshold stimulus to two neighboring electrodes where the sum of the stimuli is above the threshold of perception, a perception is created in neural tissue between the two electrodes. By adjusting the stimulus on neighboring electrodes, the location of stimulation can be altered. Further, noise can be applied to the stimulating electrode or its neighboring electrodes to reduce the threshold of stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Greenberg, Richard Williamson
  • Patent number: 8914123
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for performing an electric inhibition of the facial muscles for purely aesthetic purposes, using a device comprising a support at the head of a user (1), two contact electrodes (2), an electronic circuit (3) for generating low-voltage electric pulses at said electrodes (2), a direct current electric power supply (4) and means for fixing and locking (7) said components on the head. The invention is characterized in that it includes the following steps: placing the electrodes (2) on either side of the upper part of the nose, at the glabella; passing the electric pulses via the electrodes (2) through the pyramidal muscle of the nose so as to cause said pyramidal muscle of the nose to relax and hence its antagonist muscle, the forehead muscle and the double eyebrow muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cefaly Technology SPRL
    Inventor: Pierre Rigaux
  • Patent number: 8909344
    Abstract: A self-contained portable head worn device and methods to stimulate a portion of the brain of a wearer are presented. A first electrode is held by the head worn device against the scalp of the wearer in a first location and a second electrode is held against the scalp of the wearer in a second location. A pulse generator generates a first electric signal received by the first electrode and a second electric signal received by the second electrode. A power source is connected to the pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Arle, Jay Lawrence Shils
  • Patent number: 8903494
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for transdermal electrical stimulation. Devices described herein can include self-contained, lightweight, and wearable components. The devices include a primary unit including a first transdermal electrode and a secondary unit including a second transdermal electrode. The device can be capable of wireless communication. The primary unit and secondary unit are placed at two locations on the skin of a user, for example on the head or neck of a user. The first and second transdermal electrodes are electrically connected. Electrical stimulation is driven between the two electrodes. The electrical stimulation induces a cognitive effect in a user of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: thync, inc.
    Inventors: Isy Goldwasser, William J. Tyler, Alexander Opitz, Tomokazu Sato, Jonathan Charlesworth, Sumon K. Pal, Philip Lamb, Christopher Voss, Steven Cook, Remi Demers, Raymond L. Gradwohl, Daniel Z. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 8897895
    Abstract: An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossal nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20140324146
    Abstract: Stand-alone apparatus intended to be fastened on to a body part, comprising a bipolar electrode (1), a light electronic device (2), means for the mechanical fastening of the electronic apparatus (2) to the electrode (1) and means enabling the electrical current to flow from the electronic apparatus (2) to the electrode (1) and vice versa. Said fastening means comprise two permanent magnets (4) located on the electronic apparatus (2), each of which is electrically conductive and capable of cooperating with a magnetisable metal zone (3) located on the side of the electrode (1) opposite the side intended to be in contact with the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: STX-Med Sprl
    Inventor: Pierre-Yves Muller
  • Publication number: 20140316505
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to signing up at a single site to receive both credit and business information, and the combining of personal credit information for an individual and business credit information of a business with which the individual is associated. For example, the invention can provide a website where a user can lrequest to view an individual's personal credit information and the business credit information of a business that the individual owns. In this manner, the user can quickly and easily obtain a more complete view of the financial status of an individual or a business in a single location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Yani Skincare, LLC
    Inventor: Jamal S. Yanaki
  • Publication number: 20140277324
    Abstract: A device for providing transdermal electrical stimulation at an adjustable position on a head. The device including a supporting member ergonomically shaped and configured to be fixedly supported about an anatomical body part; the supporting member being adjustably positionable in only two directions substantially perpendicular to one another. No electrical stimulation is provided by the supporting member. Alternatively, the device includes at least one pair of electrodes for producing the transdermal electrical stimulation to the head. The electrodes are mounted to a securing member shaped and configured to be releasably securable only about a plurality of strands of hair at a predetermined fixed orientation without being secured about any anatomical body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. DiUbaldi, Jeyakumar Subbaroyan, Tamara C. Baynham, Michael A. Luedtke, James Gamgort
  • Publication number: 20140257448
    Abstract: A self-contained portable head worn device and methods to stimulate a portion of the brain of a wearer are presented. A first electrode is held by the head worn device against the scalp of the wearer in a first location and a second electrode is held against the scalp of the wearer in a second location. A pulse generator generates a first electric signal received by the first electrode and a second electric signal received by the second electrode. A power source is connected to the pulse generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Arle, Jay Lawrence Shils