For Walking Assistance Patents (Class 607/49)
  • Publication number: 20140276236
    Abstract: A shoe insole has a cavity configured to provide an internal pocket open to a face of said insole, conveniently the lower face, the cavity having a length greater than its width and being directed generally along the length of the insole. A segmented structure is slideably insertable into said cavity within it is removably retained, the segments being disposed along the cavity and housing a pressure sensor, sensor state monitoring circuits, a wireless transceiver and a battery, adjacent segments being electrically connected together and hinged together by pairs of laterally spaced connector bars each mechanically connected together by links configured to maintaining the spacing between segments while permitting flexion between adjacent segments under loads encountered during walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ian Douglas Swain, Stacey Michael Finn, Dominic Scott Nolan, Robert Peter Batty
  • Publication number: 20140249646
    Abstract: A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for rejection of signals originating from biological interference sources without adversely affecting the electroneurographic activity being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NEURODAN A/S
    Inventors: Clemens Florian Eder, Mads Peter Andersen
  • Publication number: 20140249600
    Abstract: A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. The medical device or another device may periodically determine an activity level or gait parameter of the patient, and associate each determined level or parameter with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one activity metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the activity levels or parameters associated with that therapy parameter set. Whether the patient is currently experiencing or anticipated to experience gait freeze caused by their neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, may also be determined. Gait freeze events may be associated with current therapy parameters and used to determine activity metric values. In some examples, the activity metric associated with certain therapy parameters may be presented to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Keith A. Miesel, Gregory F. Molnar
  • Publication number: 20140249647
    Abstract: A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and having means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for amplifying or attenuating signals in a specific direction of propagation without adversely affecting the electroneurographic activity being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: NEURODAN A/S
    Inventors: Clemens Florian Eder, Mads Peter Andersen
  • Patent number: 8788045
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including identifying a subject as suffering from polyneuropathy. In response to the identifying, electrodes are placed within 1 mm of a tibial nerve of the subject, the electrodes being disposed on a housing that is at least partially flexible. The electrodes are driven to treat the polyneuropathy by driving a current into the tibial nerve. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bluewind Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Noam Kinrot
  • Patent number: 8768474
    Abstract: A method of electro-therapeutic stimulation uses an electrical signal with a periodic-exponential background pulse over a controllable periodic-exponential main pulse. By properly setting the signal and moving electrodes to proper locations on the body, the signal is used to electro-therapeutically mimic a cross-crawl pattern and return a patient to a state of neurological balance, to identify specific cellular disruption locations, to treat the identified cellular disruption locations including performing a pain associated movement, and to neurologically train from a facilitator muscle to one or more receiver muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ARP Wave LLC
    Inventors: Denis E. Thompson, Franklin Williard Schroeder, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140180361
    Abstract: A neurostimulator device for use with groups (e.g., more than four groups) of electrodes. The neurostimulator may include a stimulation assembly configured to deliver different stimulation to each of the groups. The neurostimulator may also include at least one processor configured to direct the stimulation assembly to deliver stimulation to the groups. The stimulation delivered to at least one of the groups may include one or more waveform shapes other than a square or rectangular wave shape. The processor may receive data from one or more sensors and use that data to modify the stimulation delivered. The neurostimulator may be configured to communicate with an external computing device. The neurostimulator may send data to and/or receive data and/or instructions from the computing device. The computing device may use information collected by one or more sensors to at least partially determine stimulation parameters to communicate to the neurostimulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Joel W. Burdick, Yu-Chong Tai, John F. Naber, Robert S. Keynton, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Susan J. Harkema, Johnathan Hodes, Claudia A. Angeli, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Thomas Anthony Desautels, Steven L. Upchruch, Douglas J. Jackson, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, JR.
  • Patent number: 8744587
    Abstract: A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. The medical device or another device may periodically determine an activity level or gait parameter of the patient, and associate each determined level or parameter with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one activity metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the activity levels or parameters associated with that therapy parameter set. Whether the patient is currently experiencing or anticipated to experience gait freeze caused by their neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, may also be determined. Gait freeze events may be associated with current therapy parameters and used to determine activity metric values. In some examples, the activity metric associated with certain therapy parameters may be presented to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
  • Publication number: 20140148873
    Abstract: An embodiment includes simultaneously supplying direct current (DC) energy to recondition cartilage of a knee joint while simultaneously protecting that cartilage by supplying alternating current (AC) energy to stimulate muscle tissue contralateral to the cartilage to at least partially decompress the cartilage and at least partially support the joint. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Articulate Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Kirn
  • Publication number: 20140128939
    Abstract: A method and system which provides wireless, noninvasive electrical stimulation to different muscle groups to allow the user to conduct physical activities, such as walking, by stimulating various muscle groups in the body at the correct times of activation or by stimulating muscle groups in a simulation mode when standing, sitting or lying down, whereby walking is not required to stimulate the various muscle groups. The system provides a small portable wearable system which utilizes available software, including Bluetooth technology, to provide electrical nerve stimulating pulses with low current, minimal phase charge which is controlled remotely and induce desired muscle contraction with increased comfort for the user. The present method and system applies electrical stimulation with accurate timing, based on a three-dimensional motion sensor, as a trigger to initiate stimulation and which is adapted to turn itself on and off when not walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Good Samaritan Hospital
    Inventors: David G. Embrey, Jeffrey Stonestreet, Gadi Alon
  • Publication number: 20140094873
    Abstract: A product, e.g. an insole for a shoe, fitting onto a person's foot sole based on a platform (SM) of a flexible and electrically isolating material. Multiple stimulation electrodes (S1, S2, S3) with adhesive stimulation areas of at least 1 cm2 are spatially distributed on the platform (SM). A conducting and adhesive ground plane electrode (G) with at least an area of 10 times a stimulation electrode area is arranged for contacting the person's foot. An electric interface (I) comprising a plug or socket with externally accessible electrical connectors to allow external individual electrical access to the plurality of stimulation electrode areas (S1, S2, S3) and to the ground plane electrode (G). The electric interface is capable of handling at least a voltage of 200 V, preferably 400 V. Such product is suited for reflex-based gait therapy, where the person's withdrawal reflex is triggered by a painful stimulation of the person's foot sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NORDIC NEUROSTIM APS
    Inventors: Jonas Emborg, Ole Kæseler Andersen, Erika Geraldina Spaich
  • Patent number: 8626305
    Abstract: In a system for stimulation of nerves comprising implanted electrodes, an external to the system trigger device is equipped with a sensor and a transmitter for wirelessly broadcasting a signal to be received by a pulse generator for generating a pulse pattern to be forwarded to the at least one electrode implanted in the corpus of the living being. Further the trigger device is equipped with means for detecting if the patient is walking or just standing pulling the weight from one leg to another and can thus determine if a stimulation sequence has to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Neurodan A/S
    Inventors: Ricky Lindgaard Nielsen, Michael Høyer, Morten Hansen
  • Patent number: 8620438
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation to an agonist/antagonist muscle pair to move a limb about a joint includes generating a first pattern of neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulses for output through a first channel to a first pair of electrodes and generating a second pattern of neuromuscular stimulation pulses for output through a second channel to a second pair of electrodes. The first pair of electrodes are attached to the agonist muscle of the agonist/antagonist muscle pair, and the second pair of electrodes are attached to the antagonist muscle. A first pattern of electrical stimulation pulses is transmitted through the first pair of electrodes to the agonist muscle at a first intensity level to initiate contraction of the agonist muscle, and then at a second intensity level which is less than the first intensity level to continue contraction of the agonist muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Encore Medical Asset Corporation
    Inventors: Yorick Wijting, Jeffrey K. Pohl
  • Publication number: 20130267816
    Abstract: A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three neurosense electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for rejection of signals originating from biological interference sources without affecting the electroneurographic activity measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: NEURODAN A/S
    Inventor: Clemens Florian Eder
  • Patent number: 8535211
    Abstract: A blood pump includes an impeller having a plurality of foldable blades and a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller can reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula has a collapsed condition for percutaneous delivery to a desired location within the body, and an expanded condition in which the impeller can rotate to pump blood. A flexible drive shaft can extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Thoratec Corporation, The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert L. Campbell, Justin M. Walsh, Daniel Metrey, Robert F. Kunz, Thomas M. Mallison, Edward Boone, Eric Myer, Mark W. McBride, Kevin J. Powell, Daniel A. Walters
  • Publication number: 20130211474
    Abstract: In a system for stimulation of nerves comprising implanted electrodes, an external to the system trigger device is equipped with a sensor and a transmitter for wirelessly broadcasting a signal to be received by a pulse generator for generating a pulse pattern to be forwarded to the at least one electrode implanted in the corpus of the living being. Further the trigger device is equipped with means for detecting if the patient is walking or just standing pulling the weight from one leg to another and can thus determine if a stimulation sequence has to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NEURODAN A/S
    Inventors: Ricky Lindgaard Nielsen, Michael Høyer, Morten Hansen
  • Patent number: 8494658
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for stimulating pelvic floor muscles in a patient comprises applying at least one electrode externally to each side of the patient's body in the region of the pelvis, and energising the electrodes to apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the patient through the patient's pelvic floor. Preferably a plurality of electrodes are applied symmetrically on each side of the body. The electrodes may be incorporated in a garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin, Bio-Medical Research Limited
    Inventors: Louis Crowe, Brian Caulfield, Ruth Maher, Conor Minogue
  • Patent number: 8489185
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Michael Kilgard, Larry Cauller, Navzer Engineer, Christa McIntyre, Will Rosellini
  • Patent number: 8475172
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for motor learning, for teaching motion, or for rehabilitation of a student, the student having a motor sensory system. Plural transducers may be coupled around at least one joint of a student, the transducers for providing kinesthetic sensations to the student through its motor sensory system. Tactile control signals may be provided to control operation of the transducers to guide motions of the student.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jeff Lieberman, Cynthia Breazeal
  • Patent number: 8473064
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation method for the reduction of joint compression utilizes an electrical stimulation device that includes a plurality of channels of electrodes each of which includes at least a first and second electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of at least two muscles crossing a joint. Agonist/antagonist muscles involved in abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, supination/pronation, protraction/retraction, and/or eversion/inversion of body regions via joint movement are stimulated with a patterned series of electrical pulses through channels of electrodes in accordance with a procedure for reducing joint compression. The patterned series of electrical pulses may comprise: a plurality of cycles of a biphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a biphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic sequential pulse train pattern; and a plurality of cycles of a triphasic overlapping pulse train pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Accelerated Care Plus Corp.
    Inventors: J. Chris Castel, Frank Palermo
  • Patent number: 8463390
    Abstract: An electrostimulator includes a boost circuit supplying a stimulus signal, first and second electrodes disposed on a skin surface, detecting a voluntary myoelectric signal and giving the stimulus signal, an amplification circuit amplifying the voluntary myoelectric signal, a controller controlling the stimulus signal in accordance with the voluntary myoelectric signal, an H-bridge circuit including first and third switches connected in series and connected to the second electrode, and second and fourth switches connected in series and connected to the first electrode, the first to the fourth switches being connected in parallel, an isolated DC-DC converter supplying a power to the controller and the amplification circuit, a regulator outputting a midpoint voltage of a power-supply voltage, and a third electrode connected to the regulator and a reference terminal of the amplification circuit and disposed on the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Health Science Technology Transfer Center Japan Health Sciences Foundation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Muraoka
  • Patent number: 8452410
    Abstract: A device and method for gait training, such as for rehabilitation of a person after a stroke is provided. In some embodiments, the device comprises a stimulator, preferably electric stimulator, for provoking a spinal cord withdrawal reflex in the person by stimulation on the person's foot in response to a control signal. Hereby, the person's leg will move and initiate a gait swing. A sensor is placed to sense movement of the leg and provide a feedback signal accordingly. A processor unit with a processor runs a control algorithm which calculates the control signal in response to the feedback signal. Thus, the method is based on a closed-loop design, and the control signal is preferably calculated for each walking step, and it is preferably based on the feedback signal obtained from the preceding walking step. Hereby reflex habituation can be accounted for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Aalborg Universitet
    Inventors: Jonas Emborg, Ole Kæseler Andersen, Erika G. Spaich
  • Publication number: 20130131757
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system for moving at least a portion of a body of a subject, e.g., legs. Such a system includes: a stimulator that can provide a plurality of sets of functional electrical stimulation to the legs, one or more transducers that outputs signals representative of the movement made by the legs in response to the functional electrical stimulation provided thereto, and a controller. The controller compares the output signals of the transducers resulting from the provision of two or more substantially equivalent sets of electrical stimulation to the legs and provide an output indicative of variation in the movement. The controller also, e.g., can compare the level of electrical stimulation output by the stimulator to achieve an equivalent movement of the legs so as to recognize an increase in such stimulation, where an increase can be indicative of fatigue in the leg muscles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Robert Duncan, Simon Geoffrey Parker
  • Patent number: 8428737
    Abstract: A movement assist system for assisting stably a movement of a creature, particularly a creature whose body part is paralyzed due to neuropathy or the like. According to the movement assist system, walking movement of a human is assisted according to an output from an actuator of a movement assist device. A timing of an electrical stimulation applied to the creature is adjusted by an electrical stimulation device on the basis of a signal representing an arithmetic processing result by a first controller which controls the output of the actuator. According thereto, it is possible to apply an electrical stimulation to the human at an appropriate timing from the viewpoint of maintaining an appropriate posture by considering a periodical movement state of the human even in cases where the body function is degraded, allowing the human assisted by the movement assist device to continue the walking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Endo, Ken Yasuhara, Kei Shimada, Eiichi Genda
  • Publication number: 20130030330
    Abstract: A sensory data integration system for integrating sensory data generated by a first sensory substitution device and sensory data generated by a second sensory substitution device. The system includes a processor configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of a difference between a subject's orientation and an acceptable orientation. The orientation signal is based on the sensory data generated by the first sensory substitution device and the sensory data generated by the second sensory substitution device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: THE TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY, MASSACHUSETTS EYE & EAR INFIRMARY
    Inventors: Conrad Wall, III, Lars I.E. Oddsson, Peter Francis Meyer
  • Patent number: 8361165
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is related to providing sensing functions that are similar to “human touch” when located in a prosthetic device such as a BION microstimulator that is implanted in a patient. The apparatus includes a power circuit, a communication circuit, and a sensor circuit. The power circuit provides power to the communication circuit and the sensor circuit. The sensor cooperates with the communication circuit, which communicates to the brain. The sensor uses various techniques to detect changes in the environment for the surrounding tissue using criteria such as reflectivity, impedance, conductivity, return signal spectrum, return signal rate, and return signal phase to name a few. For example, the impedance observed by the sensor changes when: the skin tissue is deformed around the sensor, or when the skin is surrounded by water. The sensory information is interpreted by the brain as an analog of touch or feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Karr, Joseph H. Schulman
  • Publication number: 20130013026
    Abstract: A system for treatment of gait disorders reflects, with electrical stimulation patterns fed to electrodes (1, 8) arranged at the patient, on the event of heel-strike and heel-off, the events being generated by a wireless heel switch (5). The pulse generator (4) also transfers the electrical energy needed to operate the heel switch (5) wirelessly. The event signal from the heel switch (5) is modulated in order to achieve a longer operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: NEURODAN A/S
    Inventors: Michael Høyer, Clemens Florian Eder, Morten Hansen
  • Patent number: 8346366
    Abstract: A system for transferring spinal cord signals comprises a superior electrode and an inferior electrode. The superior electrode interfaces with a first portion of a spinal cord of a human body; and the inferior electrode interfaces with a second portion of the spinal cord. The superior electrode has at least one superior contact for receiving signals from the first portion of the spinal cord to transmit to the inferior electrode; and the inferior electrode has at least one inferior contact for transmitting signals received from the superior electrode to the second portion of the spinal cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Lahey Clinic Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Arle, Jay Lawrence Shils
  • Publication number: 20120330375
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis, including: a frame, an inner layer coupled to an inner surface of the frame, an electrode base, and a connector assembly. The frame is configured to substantially envelop a limb, and includes a retention portion configured to retain the frame about the limb, and a mounting portion configured to be coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrode base is coupled to the inner layer, and is configured to couple a surface electrode to the inner layer. The frame and the inner layer are configured such that the electrode base is disposed at a predetermined position relative to the limb. The connector assembly is configured to electrically couple the stimulator to the electrode base. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed within a connector opening defined by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BIONESS NEUROMODULATION LTD.
    Inventors: Roger H. NATHAN, Amit DAR, Jonathan BAR-OR
  • Patent number: 8326432
    Abstract: A storage and support device for storing and supporting components of a Functional Electrical Stimulator Foot Drop Device is disclosed and includes an upstanding hollow tubular member extending upwardly from a base portion. The interior of the tubular member may be used to store certain of the components of the foot drop device, other than the leg cuff portion thereof, during periods of non-use. The leg cuff portion of the foot drop device is wrapped around the tubular member with the tubular member having an exterior curved surface which corresponds to the shape to the disc-shaped electrodes at the inner surface of the leg cuff so that a plastic sheet covering the electrodes will be maintained in intimate contact with the electrodes to extend the life thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Rod S. Kalisek
  • Patent number: 8285381
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Niveus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Fahey
  • Publication number: 20120239112
    Abstract: An electrostimulator comprises a boost circuit supplying a stimulus signal, first and second electrodes disposed on a skin surface, detecting a voluntary myoelectric signal and giving the stimulus signal, an amplification circuit amplifying the voluntary myoelectric signal, a controller controlling the stimulus signal in accordance with the voluntary myoelectric signal, an H-bridge circuit comprising first and third switches connected in series and connected to the second electrode, and second and fourth switches connected in series and connected to the first electrode, the first to the fourth switches being connected in parallel, an isolated DC-DC converter supplying a power to the controller and the amplification circuit, a regulator outputting a midpoint voltage of a power-supply voltage, and a third electrode connected to the regulator and a reference terminal of the amplification circuit and disposed on the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: HEALTH SCIENCES FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro MURAOKA
  • Patent number: 8249715
    Abstract: A system includes an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a control circuit and a motion sensing device. The motion sensing device is coupled to the control circuit, and the motion sensing device is configured to transmit signals to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to identify one or more steps of a patient using the motion sensing device signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jilliann G. Fricke, Lemont Baker, Donald L. Hopper, Aaron R. McCabe, James A. Esler, Chie Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20120197343
    Abstract: A controller is provided for a functional electrical stimulator for attachment to a leg comprising, a connector for a foot switch for sensing foot rise or foot strike, a circuit for responding to said foot switch for generating stimulation pulses and a connector for first and second electrodes for attachment to the leg for supplying stimulation pulses from said circuit The circuit includes a voltage divider of which the foot switch when connected comprises one element, a second element being provided by a digital potentiometer forming part of the controller. A micro controller is configured to make adaptive adjustment of the resistance of said digital potentiometer to take account of the resistance characteristics of the foot switch to provide an output or reference voltage permitting an open/closed state of the switch to be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust
    Inventors: Rodney Paul Lane, Darren John Hart, Stacey Michael Finn, Paul Nicholas Taylor, Steven Eric Crook, Ian Douglas Swain
  • Patent number: 8209022
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation orthosis and method therefor, the orthosis including: (a) an at least semi-rigid frame configured to substantially envelop a limb segment, the frame having at least one first complementary mechanical fastener associated therewith; (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode assembly associated with, and supported by, the frame, the assembly having a surface stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on the limb segment, the surface electrode assembly having an electrode base for electrically associating, via the frame, with a stimulator unit for providing a stimulation signal to the surface electrode, the electrode base having a top face for receiving the stimulation electrode, and a bottom face having at least one second complementary mechanical fastener, the first and second fasteners adapted for reversible attachment and detachment, at a plurality of locations on the frame, thereby enabling the electrical stimulation electrode assembly to be adjustably
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Bioness Neuromodulation Ltd.
    Inventors: Amit Dar, Yossef Shalev, Jonathan Bar-Or, Roger Nathan
  • Publication number: 20120123293
    Abstract: A motor device for bypassing or bridging an area of neurological damage, including at least one electrode having an electric mechanism for generating electric current, and a programming mechanism for programming the electrode. A biofeedback system and an artificial spinal cord. A method of stimulating muscle in a person having neurological damage, by applying electric current to nerves, bypassing or bridging an area of neurological damage, and moving the muscle in a natural manner. Methods of moving muscles of a paraplegic, reducing or eliminating pain from an individual, and treating foot drop. A therapeutic method for exercising for an individual with neurological damage. A method of generating movement of muscle and sensing that movement in a person having neurological damage. A method of generating movement of muscle using information from the brain and sensing that movement in a person having neurological damage. A method of diagnosing neurological damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: IINN, Inc.
    Inventors: Jawad A. Shah, Amer Iqbal, Richard H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8175713
    Abstract: A device for providing electric stimulation for treatment of medical and non-medical conditions connected with blood circulation in legs. The device includes means for generating a shaped electrical impulse according to a pre-stored timing pattern. A means for conditioning the shaped impulse is coupled to said generating means and means for applying the conditioned shaped impulse to a user for causing a deep and painless contraction of a user's calf muscles, which in turn activate blood circulation and improve venous return from legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Jozef Cywinski
  • Patent number: 8155745
    Abstract: The invention is a system and a method of enabling a person with one or two prosthetic legs to walk [i.e. be gait enabled] by using an implanted microstimulator that activates hip abduction, using a control unit, external coil, and a foot mounted foot switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Daniel R. Merrill, David L. Hankin, Brian R. Dearden
  • Patent number: 8140166
    Abstract: A system that activates a muscle to produce a functional movement in a subject through electrical stimulation is described. During operation, the system first obtains a non-isometric model which defines a functional movement associated with the muscle in response to electrical stimulation of the muscle. Next, the system uses the non-isometric model to compute an electrical stimulation which produces a desired functional movement in the subject. The system then applies the computed electrical stimulation to the muscle to produce the desired functional movement in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ramu Perumal, Anthony S. Wexler, Stuart Binder-Macleod, Jun Ding
  • Patent number: 8135473
    Abstract: A medical device, programmer, or other computing device may determine values of one or more activity and, in some embodiments, posture metrics for each therapy parameter set used by the medical device to deliver therapy. The metric values for a parameter set are determined based on signals generated by the sensors when that therapy parameter set was in use. Activity metric values may be associated with a postural category in addition to a therapy parameter set, and may indicate the duration and intensity of activity within one or more postural categories resulting from delivery of therapy according to a therapy parameter set. A posture metric for a therapy parameter set may indicate the fraction of time spent by the patient in various postures when the medical device used a therapy parameter set. The metric values may be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
  • Publication number: 20120059432
    Abstract: A device and method for gait training, such as for rehabilitation of a person after a stroke is provided. In some embodiments, the device comprises a stimulator, preferably electric stimulator, for provoking a spinal cord withdrawal reflex in the person by stimulation on the person's foot in response to a control signal. Hereby, the person's leg will move and initiate a gait swing. A sensor is placed to sense movement of the leg and provide a feedback signal accordingly. A processor unit with a processor runs a control algorithm which calculates the control signal in response to the feedback signal. Thus, the method is based on a closed-loop design, and the control signal is preferably calculated for each walking step, and it is preferably based on the feedback signal obtained from the preceding walking step. Hereby reflex habituation can be accounted for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: AALBORG UNIVERSITET
    Inventors: Jonas Emborg, Ole Kaeseler Andersen, Erika G. Spaich
  • Patent number: 8112155
    Abstract: An apparatus for muscle activation includes least one electrode adapted to deliver a neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) signal to a body portion. A controller provides a NMES signal comprising a sequence of stimulation signals to the electrode. A mechanical motion element coupled to the body portion and a mirror body portion is operatively coupled to the controller. The controller controls the NMES signal in conjunction with the mechanical motion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Motorika Limited
    Inventors: Omer Einav, Ernesto Korenman
  • Publication number: 20120012486
    Abstract: A storage and support device for storing and supporting components of a Functional Electrical Stimulator Foot Drop Device is disclosed and includes an upstanding hollow tubular member extending upwardly from a base portion. The interior of the tubular member may be used to store certain of the components of the foot drop device, other than the leg cuff portion thereof, during periods of non-use. The leg cuff portion of the foot drop device is wrapped around the tubular member with the tubular member having an exterior curved surface which corresponds to the shape to the disc-shaped electrodes at the inner surface of the leg cuff so that a plastic sheet covering the electrodes will be maintained in intimate contact with the electrodes to extend the life thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Rod S. Kalisek
  • Patent number: 8086318
    Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: NDI Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Steven M. Galecki, Joseph J. Mrva, Danny R. Pack
  • Publication number: 20110295339
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving mobility and/or the quality of synovial fluid of an affected articular joint are disclosed, wherein the joint is associated with at least a first muscle group and at least a second muscle group each having an antagonistic relationship for effecting mobility of the joint through a range of motion when recruited by natural neural impulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: William J. CARROLL
  • Publication number: 20110238131
    Abstract: A leg electric shock switch of an electronic walking aid comprises an upper insulating plate having a restoring resilience; an upper electrode plate, installed below the upper insulating plate; a lower insulating plate; a lower electrode plate, installed above the lower insulating plate; an isolating element, being a plate made of an insulating material, and coupled between the upper electrode plate and the lower electrode plate, and including a plurality of through holes; such that if the upper insulating plate is touched and pressed, the upper electrode plate will produce a deformation, and the upper electrode plate will be passed through the through hole and electrically contacted and connected to the lower electrode plate. Therefore, the manufacturing procedure is simplified and the cost is lowered to achieve the effects of improving the cost-effectiveness of the manufacture, promoting the application of low-cost consuming materials, and enhancing the product competiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Feng-Ching TU, Pin-Hsuan Hung
  • Publication number: 20110208266
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for applying electrical current to the quadriceps muscle. The apparatus is in the form of a garment (to be worn on a user's thigh) having a integrated programmable stimulation device including integral electronics, LCD display, user controls and a battery. To ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of the garment, it is shaped such that it locates above the patella. Furthermore, reference lines are provided on the skin facing surface of the garment to assist the user in the accurate placement of skin engaging electrodes. In combination, the features of the invention provides a safe and convenient means of electrically stimulating the quadriceps muscle irrespective of patient size whilst minimizing the opportunity for error. Moreover, the invention dispenses with the need to employ a skilled clinician to individually place each electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Conor Minogue, Louis Crowe, Leonie Heskin
  • Patent number: 7974703
    Abstract: Techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20110152968
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis for FES to a limb segment, including: (a) a semi-rigid, self-retaining C-shaped frame, the frame configured to substantially envelop the limb segment, the frame including a first flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining element and at least a first and a second opposing flexible and elongated circumferentially retaining elements disposed on the circumferentially opposite side of the frame, the first retaining element and the first opposing retaining element forming a pair of opposing retaining elements, and (b) a surface electrical stimulation electrode for contacting at least one stimulation point on a surface of the limb segment, associated with, and supported by, the frame, the surface electrode for electrically associating, via the frame, with a neuroprosthetic stimulator unit, so as to provide FES, wherein the opposing retaining elements are configured to be radially spring-loaded towards a center of the frame, such that in donning the orthosis
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Bioness Neuromodulation Ltd.
    Inventors: ROGER H. NATHAN, Amit Dar, Jonathan Bar-Or
  • Patent number: 7966074
    Abstract: An apparatus to enhance muscular movement is provided. The apparatus includes at least one muscular movement sensor to sense a result of an attempt to move a muscle, a movement information controller to analyze the sensed muscular movement, and generate muscular movement information based on the analyzed muscular movements, and a muscular movement actuator to enhance the movement of the muscle according to the generated muscular movement information by actively controlling a deformation of the muscle movement actuator over the surface of the muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyu-yong Kim, Sang-youn Kim, Byung-seok Soh