Energy Source External Of Generator Or Body Patents (Class 607/33)
  • Patent number: 11903806
    Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter can include a cuff configured to surround a portion of a length of a urethra. An actuator is configured to selectively apply a force to the cuff to thereby apply variable amount of pressure to the urethra. A controller is configured to adjust the application of the force by the actuator to cause the cuff to apply the variable amount of pressure to the urethra. A sensor can be in communication with the controller and configured to detect pressure applied against the cuff by the urethra. The controller is configured to cause the cuff to apply a first closing pressure to the urethra. In response to a detection of a threshold pressure increase by the sensor, the controller is configured to cause the cuff to apply a second closing pressure that is greater than the first closing pressure and that prevents urine from exiting the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs, Wayne State University, University of Basel
    Inventors: Nivedita Dhar, Steven Majerus, Jeremy Rickli, Tino Toepper, Bekim Osmani, Bert Mueller
  • Patent number: 11896837
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to transmit wireless energy from an external energy transmitting device placed externally to a human body to an internal energy receiver placed internally in the human body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first electric circuit to supply electrical pulses to the external transmitting device, said electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges. The electrical circuit is adapted to perform at least one of the following: vary the lengths of first time intervals between successive leading and trailing edges of the electrical pulses and/or the lengths of second time intervals between successive trailing and leading edges of the electrical pulses, and vary the first and second time intervals to have lengths in the range of, that are in the magnitude of order of or are shorter than, a time constant of the first electric circuit, and a relationship or proportion between the lengths of the first and second time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 11890474
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for monitoring or modulating an immune system in a subject; treating, reducing or monitoring inflammation; monitoring blood pressure; treating hypertension; or administering or adjusting a therapy for inflammation or hypertension in a patient by electrically stimulating the splenic nerve or detecting splenic nerve activity using an implanted medical device. Also described herein are implantable medical devices for performing such methods. The implanted medical device includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves and convert energy from the ultrasonic waves into an electrical energy that powers the device, two or more electrodes in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer that are configured to electrically stimulate a splenic nerve or detect a splenic nerve activity, and optionally a splenic nerve attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: IOTA BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Jose M. Carmena, Michel M. Maharbiz, Ryan Neely, Joshua Kay
  • Patent number: 11771911
    Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Alexander Jueshyan Yeh, Yuji Tanabe, John Ho, Sanghoek Kim
  • Patent number: 11766566
    Abstract: Implanted pulse generators with reduced power consumption via signal strength-duration characteristics, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method for treating a patient in accordance with the disclosed technology includes receiving an input corresponding to an available voltage for an implanted medical device and identifying a signal delivery parameter value of an electrical signal based on a correlation between values of the signal delivery parameter and signal deliver amplitudes. The signal deliver parameter can include at least one of pulse width or duty cycle. The method can further include delivering an electrical therapy signal to the patient at the identified signal delivery parameter value using a voltage within a margin of the available voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: Jon Parker
  • Patent number: 11738202
    Abstract: A Medical Device Application (MDA) is disclosed for an external device (e.g., a cell phone) that can communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The MDA receives data logged in the IMD, processes that data in manners reviewable by an IMD patient, and that can control the IMD based on such processed data. The MDA can use the logged data to adjust IMD therapy based on patient activity or posture, and allows a patient to learn optimal therapy settings for particular activities. The MDA can also use the logged data to allow a patient to review details about IMD battery performance, whether such battery is primary or rechargeable, and to control stimulation parameters based on that performance. The MDA also allows a patient to enter medicine dose information, to review the relationship between medicinal therapy and IMD therapy, and to adjust IMD therapy based on the dosing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Tahmasian
  • Patent number: 11705763
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are described to detect when a power transmitting and receiving system is in an inefficient position, which may cause a thermal response that less desirable than a more efficient position. The system may power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer electromagnetic energy to a power receiving device. Processing circuitry of the system may compute a target output power deliverable by the power transmitting device for a first duration and control the power transmitting device to output the target output power based in part on a heat limit. The processing circuitry may further calculate an energy transfer efficiency to the power receiving unit, update an adjustment factor based on the calculated energy transfer efficiency, and apply the adjustment factor to the heat limit for a subsequent duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Fried, Douglas W. Brown, Charles M. Nowell, Robert J. Monson, Venkat R. Gaddam, Brett Otteson
  • Patent number: 11678847
    Abstract: A medical device includes a case and a core assembly. The core assembly includes operational circuitry enclosed within a core assembly housing. The medical device also includes a battery assembly, which includes a battery enclosed within a battery housing. The case includes the core assembly housing and the battery housing. A first electrode is coupled to, and electrically isolated from, the case; and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the case. The second electrode is electrically coupled to the operational circuitry via a sensing pathway that includes a portion of the case. The battery is electrically coupled to the operational circuitry via an energy supply pathway that includes the portion of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron A. Balczewski, William J. Linder
  • Patent number: 11628305
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods allow inductive recharging of a power source located within or coupled to an implantable medical device while the device is implanted in a patient. The recharging system/device in some examples includes a first electrical coil and a second electrical coil configured to generate opposing magnetic fields forming a resultant magnetic field within a recharging envelope located between the coils. A third coil of the implantable medical device may be positioned within the recharging envelope so that the resultant magnetic field is imposed on the third coil, causing electrical energy to be induced in the third coil, the induced electrical energy used to recharge a power source of an implantable medical device coupled to the third coil, and/or to power operation of the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian S. Nielsen, Rajesh V. Iyer, Gordon O. Munns, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul B. Young
  • Patent number: 11565078
    Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat at least one of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Fractyl Health Inc.
    Inventors: Harith Rajagopalan, Jay Caplan, Craig M. Gardner, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 11554266
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fixing device of a wireless charger for an implanted medical device, wherein the fixing device comprising a supporting member wearable on a patient's body and an adjustment structure connected to the supporting member, a charger fixing seat is connected to one of the supporting member and the adjustment structure, the adjustment structure comprises an adjustment strap and a fixing buckle engaging with the adjustment strap, one end of the adjustment strap is connected to the supporting member, the other end of the adjustment strap operably brings the supporting member or the charger fixing seat to be adjusted to a position where the charger fixing seat corresponds to the implanted medical device, and a position where the adjustment strap engages with the fixing buckle can be adjusted and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SCENERAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yihua Ning, Fan Zhang, Minfang Gao
  • Patent number: 11552677
    Abstract: A transmitter device is provided for transmission of data via DC power distribution lines includes a sequence generator arranged for receiving a raw data bit stream to be transmitted over a positive and a negative DC power distribution line and for deriving a switching sequence based on the raw data bit stream, and a circuit including one or more capacitors and a plurality of switches controllable with the switching sequence derived in the sequence generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES NV
    Inventors: Andreas Ott, Federico D'Aniello, Thomas Freitag, Andrea Baschirotto
  • Patent number: 11497905
    Abstract: A controller implantable within the body of a patient as part of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system and a method therefore are provided. According to one aspect, the controller includes processing circuitry configured to receive inputs from at least one of: at least one internal component of the LVAD system, at least one external component of the LVAD system, and at least one clinician's device, and determine a charging rate for charging a battery of the LVAD system internal to the patient based on at least one of the received inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Schilling, Erin N. Reisfeld, Thomas W. Radtke, Brian D. Kuhnley, David Siegfried
  • Patent number: 11484718
    Abstract: An ICD multimode system comprises a microcontroller or FPGA having a memory, a differentially driven phased array amplifier, one or more sensors, and a wireless transmitter/receiver. Based upon sensor data and demand criteria programmed into the memory, the system provides late systolic impulse (LSI) therapy to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and ventricle level-shifting (VLS) therapy to block unwanted PVCs to prevent VT or VF dynamically and use a phased array amplifier therapy to accurately manage CRT. An external echocardiogram and ultrasound system adjusts the therapies administered based upon sensor and demand data in real time to allow a patient's heart to function at a level of improved performance and increase ejection fraction EF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: RUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Ruse, Charles Swerdlow, Mark W. Kroll, Scott Bohanan
  • Patent number: 11484723
    Abstract: Methods for transcutaneous charging of an implanted device may include removably coupling a charging device with a carrier having adhesive tabs, the tabs being movable between a first position configured to be spaced away from a skin surface and a second position configured to be urged against the skin surface; engaging a bottom surface of the charging device at least partially against the skin surface with the tabs in the first position; positioning the charging device until it is at least partially positioned over or proximate the implanted medical device; and moving the tabs to the second position so that respective adhesive surfaces of the tabs contact and adhere to the skin of the patient sufficiently to support the charging device coupled with the carrier for a duration of time sufficient to charge the implanted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: AXONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Dennis Schroeder, Raymond W. Cohen
  • Patent number: 11478646
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a patient post operation having electrically conducting leads which are adapted to extend from inside the patient. The leads having electrodes adapted to communicate with a heart of the patient and apply electrical signals to the heart. The electrodes providing cardiac signals to the computer in response to the electrical signals so the computer can determine in real time at least one of heart volume, end diastolic heart volume, end systolic heart volume, stroke volume, change in heart volume, change in stroke volume, contractility, respiration rate or tidal volume regarding the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Valvano, John A. Pearce, Marc D. Feldman, Kaarthik Rajendran, John Porterfield, Anil Kottam, Wes Johnson
  • Patent number: 11463015
    Abstract: A submodule includes a bridge circuit including two main power semiconductors connected in series for performing power conversion by on/off control and an electric energy storage element connected in parallel with a path of the two main power semiconductors connected in series, a bypass unit including a bypass power semiconductor), a bypass unit drive device to drive the bypass unit, a first external terminal, and a second external terminal. The first external terminal is connected to a node between the two main power semiconductors. The power conversion apparatus further includes an optical power-feed system for feeding power to the bypass unit drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoji Tsuruta, Takushi Jimichi, Kimiyuki Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 11291847
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions. The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions. The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject. The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure. The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device. The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Anthony V. Caparso, Malik Kahook, Naresh Mandava, Noah Lemire, Adam Farwick, Steve Wilder, Steve Risser
  • Patent number: 11253684
    Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 11245181
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transfer system comprises an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, and communications antenna in the implantable receive resonator configured to send communication information to the transmit resonator. The communications antenna can include a plurality of gaps positioned between adjacent conductive elements, the gaps being configured to prevent or reduce induction of current in the plurality of conductive elements when the antenna is exposed to a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Gerald Heppell
  • Patent number: 11229799
    Abstract: A capsule includes a tubular body with, at its proximal end, a coupling member adapted to cooperate with a conjugated coupling member mounted at the distal end of a catheter of the implantation tool, for the transmission of a torque for the rotational driving of the capsule by the catheter. The coupling member of the tool includes a dihedral-shaped imprint, with two diverging arms in a V-arrangement, and the capsule coupling member includes a convex surface adapted to frictionally and slidingly urge against the diverging arms of the V-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: CAIRDAC
    Inventors: An Nguyen-Dinh, Willy Regnier
  • Patent number: 11185703
    Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is configured for atrial placement may include a housing, two or more electrodes and a controller that is disposed within the housing and that is operably coupled to the two or more electrodes. The controller may be configured to sense activation of the atrium of the patient's heart via two or more of the electrodes and to deliver pacing therapy via two or more of the electrodes to a ventricle of the patient's heart by pacing the bundle of His in the patient's atrioventricular septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Allan Charles Shuros, Brendan Early Koop, Keith R. Maile, Brandon Christopher Fellows
  • Patent number: 11152151
    Abstract: Various embodiments of inductor coils, antennas, and transmission bases configured for wireless electrical energy transmission are provided. These embodiments are configured to wirelessly transmit or receive electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling. The embodiments of inductor coils comprise a figure eight configuration that improve efficiency of wireless transmission efficiency. The embodiments of the transmission base are configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device in contact with or adjacent to the transmission base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinit Singh, Ajit Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 11128328
    Abstract: A sensor circuit included in a computer system may include multiple antennas, a control circuit, a mixer circuit, a transmitter circuit and a filter circuit. The control circuit may generate a baseband signal, which the mixer circuit may modulate using a modulation signal to generate a transmit signal. The transmitter circuit may transmit the transmit signal using a first antenna. The filter circuit may be configured to track a carrier frequency of the transmit signal and filter a reflected version of the transmit signal to generate an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Simone Gambini
  • Patent number: 11116983
    Abstract: Technology for near infrared (NIR) based communication and/or sensing of implantable medical devices and systems as well as method of operating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. von Arx, Brian M. Taff, Kurt Swenson, Joseph Simon Raven, Yu Wang, Paul Stadnik, Ulrich Hugel
  • Patent number: 11103715
    Abstract: Devices and methods are used to bridge between standard wireless charging protocols and proprietary wireless charging protocols utilized in auditory prostheses. Such devices are portable and can enable a recipient to charge her device whenever wireless power is available. Additionally, the recipient can change settings on her prosthesis, via the bridge device, while her prosthesis is charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Andrew David Fort
  • Patent number: 11027119
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, and a delivery catheter including a tethering snare that is configured to be selectively extended out of the delivery catheter and retracted into the delivery catheter. In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, wherein the attachment member includes a central passage connected to a connection chamber, and a delivery catheter including first and second tethers that may be moved outwardly from and retracted into the delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Eby, Alan Klenk
  • Patent number: 10898736
    Abstract: Described herein are implantable devices configured to emit an electrical pulse. An exemplary implantable device includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves that power the implantable device and encode a trigger signal; a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in electrical communication with a tissue and emit an electrical pulse to the tissue in response to the trigger signal; and an integrated circuit comprising an energy storage circuit. Also described are systems that include one or more implantable device and an interrogator configured to operate the one or more implantable devices. Further described is a closed loop system that includes a first device configured to detect a signal, an interrogator configured to emit a trigger signal in response to the detected signal, and an implantable device configured to emit an electrical pulse in response to receiving the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michel M. Maharbiz, Dongjin Seo, Konlin Shen, Jose M. Carmena, Ryan Neely, Elad Alon, Jan Rabaey
  • Patent number: 10850111
    Abstract: User interface for external power source, recharger, for an implantable medical device. At least some of patient controls and display icons of an energy transfer unit are common with at least some of the patient controls and the display icons of a patient control unit. An energy transfer unit is operable by the patient with less than three operative controls to control energy transfer from the external energy transfer unit to the implantable medical device. An external antenna having a primary coil can inductively transfer energy to a secondary coil of the implantable medical device when the external antenna is externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. An energy transfer unit has an external telemetry coil allowing the energy transfer unit to communicate with the implantable medical device through the internal telemetry coil in order to at least partially control the therapeutic output of the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ruth E. Bauhahn, Mark E. Schommer
  • Patent number: 10786306
    Abstract: Example systems and techniques for denervation, for example, renal denervation. In some examples, a processor determines one or more tissue characteristics of tissue proximate a target nerve and a blood vessel. The processor may generate, based on the one or more tissue characteristics, an estimated volume of influence of denervation therapy delivered by a therapy delivery device disposed within the blood vessel. The processor may generate a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of the tissue proximate the target nerve and the blood vessel and a graphical representation of the estimated volume of influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Paul J. Coates, Douglas A. Hettrick
  • Patent number: 10737103
    Abstract: Electrical energy is transcutaneously transmitted at a plurality of different frequencies to an implanted medical device. The magnitude of the transmitted electrical energy respectively measured at the plurality of frequencies. One of the frequencies is selected based on the measured magnitude of the electrical energy (e.g., the frequency at which the measured magnitude of the electrical energy is the greatest). A depth level at which the medical device is implanted within the patient is determined based on the selected frequency. For example, the depth level may be determined to be relatively shallow if the selected frequency is relatively high, and relatively deep if the selected frequency is relative low. A charge strength threshold at which a charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal can then be set based on the determined depth level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aghassian, Lev Freidin, Joey Chen
  • Patent number: 10735035
    Abstract: A sensor circuit included in a computer system may include multiple antennas, a control circuit, a mixer circuit, a transmitter circuit and a filter circuit. The control circuit may generate a baseband signal, which the mixer circuit may modulate using a modulation signal to generate a transmit signal. The transmitter circuit may transmit the transmit signal using a first antenna. The filter circuit may be configured to track a carrier frequency of the transmit signal and filter a reflected version of the transmit signal to generate an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Simone Gambini
  • Patent number: 10695571
    Abstract: A system is provided for driving an implantable neurostimulator lead, the lead having an associated plurality of electrodes disposed in at least one array on the lead. The system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), the IPG including an electrode driver, a load system for determining load requirements, an IPG power coupler, and an IPG communication system. The system also includes an external unit, which includes an external variable power generator, an external power coupler, an external communication system, and a controller for varying the power level of the variable power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: NUXCEL, INC.
    Inventors: Harry Dellamano, Kenneth Lyle Reed, Robert Raymond Bulger, Claire Denault, Michael Steven Colvin, Paul Griffith, Francis Menezes
  • Patent number: 10603493
    Abstract: An integrated nanowire device includes a first array of nanowires having a first set of characteristics and a second array of nanowires having a second set of characteristics. A processor is electrical communication with the first and second arrays of nanowires receives the first plurality of charges and generate a processor signal therefrom. The second array of nanowires may be configured to produce a stimulation current in response to the processor signal. The first or second array may be used to generate power for operation of the device, or the arrays may function as a stimulator, sensor combination to enable the device to self-regulate based on localized responses to stimulation. The device may be implanted for use as a neural stimulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Gabriel A. Silva, Massoud L. Khraiche, Gert Cauwenberghs, Yu-Hwa Lo, William R. Freeman, Sohmyung Ha, Yi Jing, E. J. Chichilnisky
  • Patent number: 10594163
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for acoustically charging an implantable rechargeable battery. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, a sound sensor is implanted in a recipient and is configured to detect sound signals. The sound sensor is configured to convert the detected sound signals into electrical signals that can be used to charge the implantable rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: COCHLEAR LIMITED
    Inventors: Dan Nyström, Henrik Sunnerud
  • Patent number: 10549107
    Abstract: A method of transmitting wireless energy from an external energy transmitting device placed externally to a human body to an internal energy receiver placed internally in the human body. The method comprises applying to the external transmitting device electrical pulses from a first electric circuit to transmit the wireless energy, the electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges, varying the lengths of first time intervals between successive leading and trailing edges of the electrical pulses and/or the lengths of second time intervals between successive trailing and leading edges of the electrical pulses. The method further comprises transmitting wireless energy, the transmitted energy generated from the electrical pulses having a varied power, the varying of the power depending on the lengths of the first and/or second time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 10448832
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a computing system that operates at least partially through a medium, which may be a human. The computing system includes a first acoustic computing element implanted in the human. The first acoustic computing element receives input acoustic vibration. The first acoustic computing element converts a first portion of the input acoustic vibration to energy that powers an operation of the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element converts a second portion of the input acoustic vibration to stored energy of the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element converts a third portion of the input acoustic vibration to a first input data that is processed by the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element generates and transmits a first output acoustic vibration based on the first input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10454297
    Abstract: Disclosed are a wearable device and a terminal. The wearable device includes: a wearable component and a power supply component fixed on the wearable component. The power supply component includes a first supporting surface, an energy conversion element and an energy storage element. The energy conversion element includes: a magnetic structure, an elastic structure and an induction coil. One end of the magnetic structure is connected to the first supporting surface through the elastic structure. The magnetic structure moves with respect to the induction coil through the elastic structure when the wearable device is shaken, such that an alternating current is generated in the induction coil. The energy storage element is adapted to store electric energy obtained by the energy conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Zhanfeng Cao, Yanjun Li
  • Patent number: 10434329
    Abstract: A power transmitter is provided that can include a microwave cavity resonant at a desired operating frequency, a hexagonal mesh top to leak evanescent fields out of the cavity, and a plurality of orthogonal monopole feeds with 90 degrees phase differences creating circularly polarized waves. The power transmitter can be configured to transmit energy to a wireless device implanted in an animal passing through the evanescent fields. Implantable devices are also described which can receive wireless energy from the power transmitter and stimulate the animals (e.g., optogenetic or electrical stimulation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ada Shuk Yan Poon, John S. Y. Ho, Yuji Tanabe, Alexander J. Yeh, Kate L. Montgomery, Logan Grosenick, Emily A. Ferenczi, Vivien Tsao, Shrivats Mohan Iyer, Scott Lee Delp, Karl Deisseroth
  • Patent number: 10396583
    Abstract: A wireless mobile communication device having short range functionality that is designed to always be capable of short range functionality, including secure short range functionality by having a first and second energy source where charging of the second energy source may be achieved by the voltage induced by the received short range signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Philippe Maugars, Patrice Gamand
  • Patent number: 10363419
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating at least one of a condition or a symptom of a patient by positioning a stimulation device at a target site adjacent to or near a nerve within a patient. The stimulation device comprising an antenna and one or more electrodes. Transmitting electrical energy to the antenna and generating electrical impulses within the stimulation device with the electrical energy and applying the series of electrical impulses to the nerve via the electrode. The electrical impulses sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the condition or symptom of the patient; and which have on periods where the electrical impulses are generated and applied to the nerve and off periods between the electrical impulses, where the electrical energy is transmitted to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Electrocore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, Steven Mendez
  • Patent number: 10322287
    Abstract: Provided is a portable controller and associated method that provides a patient or caregiver the ability to recharge and alter the parameters of an implanted medical device, while allowing the patient substantially unobstructed mobility. To enable mobility, the controller may be worn on a belt or clothing. The controller also allows the patient to turn device stimulation on and off, check battery status, and to vary stimulation parameters within ranges that may be predefined and programmed by a clinician. The controller communicates with the medical device to retrieve information and make parameter adjustments using wireless telemetry, and it can send and receive information from several feet away from the implanted medical device. Charging of a battery contained in the implanted medical device is achieved via an inductive radio frequency link using a charge coil placed in close proximity to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, James E. Barber, Joseph J. Mrva, Christopher A. Thierfelder, Maria E. Bennett, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Danny R. Pack, Stuart F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 10278762
    Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly powering an electrosurgical device using a generator to generate a radio frequency (RF) energy field. A switch on the electrosurgical device sends a wireless signal to the generator, where the generator allows a current to pass through an inductive coil to generate the RF energy field. The RF energy field induces a current to flow across an inductive coil within the electrosurgical device. The current flow is then processed through a RF conditioning circuit and outputted to the end effector assembly of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Tony Moua, Jason L. Craig
  • Patent number: 10238864
    Abstract: In an interventional medical system, a delivery catheter for deploying a medical device of the system has a tethering assembly that includes a tether line, a grip member, and a release member, wherein the tether line extends through a longitudinal lumen of a base of the release member and is coupled to a base of the grip member, and the release member has legs extending though apertures formed through the base of the grip member. The device may be tethered to the catheter such that a proximal end of the device is held within a cavity defined by a plurality of elastic fingers of the grip member that extend distally from the base thereof; and the device may be deployed from the catheter by moving the legs of the release member within the grip member cavity to push the proximal end of the device out from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Anderson, Vladimir Grubac
  • Patent number: 10220218
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a power supply device for supplying power to a medical device main body implanted in a human body. The power supply device includes a power supply coil configured to supply power wirelessly to a power reception coil provided in the medical device main body from outside the human body through electromagnetic induction. And, the power supply coil includes: a cylindrical coil formed by winding a lead wire helically; and a ring-shaped member made of a magnetic material and is disposed so as to surround an outer circumference of the cylindrical coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 10207120
    Abstract: An electronic medical system is described. The system comprises an external RF power transmitter configured to emit a first power signal via an electromagnetic coupling, said RF power transmitter being configured to emit said first energy signal with a power no greater than 1 W. The system further comprises an implantable medical device comprising: at least one receiver antenna configured to receive said first energy signal via an electromagnetic coupling; an RF power receiver module configured to extract a second energy signal having a power of at least 1 mW and to be powered by said second energy signal; a power actuator module, operatively connected to the RF power receiver module, powered by said second energy signal. The power actuator module is configured to deliver a medical treatment to at least a target tissue of a patient on the basis of a control signal generated by the RF power receiver module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Carlo Guardiani, Daniele Piazza, Paolo Menegoli, Leonardo Clementi
  • Patent number: 10207115
    Abstract: The present invention relies on a controller-transmitter device to deliver ultrasound energy into cardiac tissue in order to directly improve cardiac function and/or to energize one or more implanted receiver-stimulator devices that transduce the ultrasound energy to electrical energy to perform excitatory and/or non-excitatory treatments for heart failure. The acoustic energy can be applied as a single burst or as multiple bursts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: EBR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra S. Echt, Richard E. Riley, Mark W. Cowan, Axel F. Brisken
  • Patent number: 10147312
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method of implementing an acoustic computing system for implant or dermal data communication, power supply and energy storage. The method includes receiving, by a first acoustic computing element in a live medium, input acoustic vibration. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a first portion of the input acoustic vibration to energy that powers operation of the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a second portion of the input acoustic vibration to stored energy of the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a third portion of the input acoustic vibration to a first input data that is processed by the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes generating, by the first acoustic computing element, a first output acoustic vibration based on the first input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Theodore G. Van Kessel
  • Patent number: 10143850
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate tissue to treat medical conditions involving tissues such as the bone, spine, stomach, nerves, brain and the cochlea. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the tissue, where vibrational (or acoustic) energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined tissue sites. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located at or close to the stimulation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: EBR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Cowan, Richard E. Riley, Axel F. Brisken, Debra S. Echt
  • Patent number: 9968795
    Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation (INS) device includes a non-rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery, an antenna, an inductive coil, a neurostimulation module and a telemetry module. The neurostimulation module produces neurostimulation signals for delivery to target neural tissue, and the telemetry module wirelessly communicates with a non-implantable device using at least one of the antenna and the inductive coil. The non-rechargeable battery provides power to the neurostimulation module, and the rechargeable battery provides power to the telemetry module. The INS device also includes a charge module that charges the rechargeable battery in dependence on signals received from a non-implantable device via the inductive coil. Additional modules, such a sensor module, can be powered by the rechargeable battery. Additionally modules, such as controller, can be powered by the non-rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS SMI S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX SMI”)
    Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Lynn Elliott