Promoting Tissue Growth Or Healing Patents (Class 607/50)
  • Patent number: 11883654
    Abstract: An electrostimulation treatment device is provided for performing handheld microcurrent muscle toning treatments in absence of the assistance of another person. The electrostimulation treatment device includes a handle section disposed between a treatment end and an accessories end. The treatment end includes one or more electrodes that are configured to supply an electric microcurrent to the skin and muscles of the user. The electrodes may be being pressed against the skin to manipulate the skin and muscles such that the muscles are forced into a desired form for re-education. The accessories end is adapted to receive one or more accessory connectors and a USB connector. The USB connector is configured to be coupled with an external computing device for operating the electrostimulation treatment device. The accessory connectors facilitate coupling the electrostimulation treatment device with external accessory devices, such as a lip mask, an eye mask, or a conductive glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventors: Pooja Johari, Tejas Shah
  • Patent number: 11794007
    Abstract: A bone stimulating method and device for treating injured or diseased bone tissue, includes exposing the injured or diseased bone tissue to a first electric field over a predetermined treatment period, the first electric field ranging from 10 mV/cm to 40 mV/cm and having a first predetermined time period within the predetermined treatment period and exposing the injured or diseased bone tissue to a second electric field over the predetermined treatment period, the second electric field ranging from 10 mV/cm to 60 mV/cm and having a second predetermined time period within the predetermined treatment period that is greater than the first predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: BonGenix, LLC
    Inventor: Carl T. Brighton
  • Patent number: 11752325
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system and method is provided, offering coordinated and natural movements for people or animals with motor system damage, which includes: at least one electrical stimulation device delivering electrostimulation signal to form dynamic stimulation curves through at least one stimulation channel by electrodes, at least one main processor, which communicates with a communication unit, with a high voltage generator and with a current controller, at least one sensing device bi-directionally connected to the electrical stimulation device, the sensing device processes and transmits the information to predictively stimulate according to the user needs, and a computational device bi-directionally connected to the electrical stimulation device having computational device with a display screen, a configuration unit and a communication unit allowing information exchange with the electrical stimulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BIOMEDICAL DEVICES SPA
    Inventors: Luis Osvaldo Campos Uribe, Moises Aaron Campos Uribe, Sebastian Osvaldo Mardones Mardones, Mattia Ignazio Rigotti Thompson, Matias Felipe Hosiasson Retamal
  • Patent number: 11541247
    Abstract: A magnetic stimulation probe is provided to produce a probe electromagnetic field within a patient. The magnetic stimulation probe has a first generally planar magnetic field generating coil having a first coil trace having a decreasing radial spiral which passes about a first central portion, the first coil trace having a first electric current traveling in a first direction and having a first plurality of separated portions each having a first respective set of different radii from the first central portion along a bisecting line. The first planar coil has a second coil trace having a second electric current traveling in a second direction which is parallel to the first direction, and having a second plurality of separated portions each having a second respective set of different radii from the first central portion along the bisecting line along the bisecting line. Two such coils can be arranged to produce a high intensity focused magnetic field at a distance from the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: George D. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 11331484
    Abstract: A terminal device includes: a treatment content setting unit that sets a first treatment content performed by a first electrical treatment device and a second treatment content performed by a second electrical treatment device; and a treatment instruction unit that instructs the first electrical treatment device and the second electrical treatment device to treat a user in accordance with the first treatment content and the second treatment content. The treatment content setting unit swaps the first treatment content and the second treatment content in accordance with a preset instruction. The treatment instruction unit, when the first treatment content and the second treatment content are swapped, instructs the first electrical treatment device and the second electrical treatment device to treat the user in accordance with the first treatment content and the second treatment content, which have been swapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuka Kobayashi, Shozo Takamatsu, Tamaki Ito
  • Patent number: 11224471
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating disease and/or infection by the release of silver from an implant over an extended period of time. In particular, the devices described herein may be used to treat infections such as osteomyelitis by the controlled release of silver ions from multiple sites of an extended-use implant. This implant typically includes a plurality of arms that both anchor and help distribute the released ions within the tissue. Power may be applied to release the silver ions into the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Silver Bullet Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Houdin Dehnad, Bohdan Wolodymyr Chopko, Paul E. Chirico
  • Patent number: 11179564
    Abstract: A system for stimulating tissue generally comprises a resorbable implant. The resorbable implant includes a substrate, at least one contact, and a transceiver, wherein the substrate, the at least one contact, and the transceiver are resorbable. The system also includes a controller configured to communicate with the transceiver of the resorbable implant and a power supply connected to the controller. The controller delivers power to the resorbable implant from the power supply. The resorbable implant delivers electrical stimulation to tissue when the resorbable implant receives power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: Washington University, Northwestern University
    Inventors: Wilson Z. Ray, Matthew R. MacEwan, Zohny S. Zohny, John A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10940318
    Abstract: A method and device for performing electrical current therapy on biological tissue. The device can operate continuously as a bio-energetic thermostat to continuously provide electrical current therapy, or based on sensing parameters and providing electrical current therapy only when the parameters indicate that the electrical current therapy is to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Morton M. Mower
  • Patent number: 10905889
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices such as leadless stimulation devices that may provide longer battery life while minimizing device size. In some cases, having the outer housing of the implantable medical device serve multiple roles, such as the battery case for an internal battery, may permit reduced device size by eliminating one or more layers or components within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Linder, Keith R. Maile
  • Patent number: 10646644
    Abstract: Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of, for example, follistatin, a muscle formation promotion protein, by tissues. Epicardial stimulation is especially useful for heart treatment. Follistatin controlled release is also useful for treating other ailments, such as erectile dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, and failing heart valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CalXStars Business Accelerator, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard J. Leonhardt, Jorge Genovese
  • Patent number: 10624546
    Abstract: A hemodynamic parameter (Hdp) monitoring system for diagnosing a health condition of a patient and for establishing Hdp marker values or Hdp surrogate marker values for purposes of comparison with Hdp values of a patient is provided. An Hdp monitor senses, measures, and records Hdp values exhibited by the patient during a basal or non-exposure period and furthermore Hdp values exhibited by the patient during or after an exposure period during which the patient is exposed to low-energy electromagnetic output signals. An electrically-powered generator is adapted to be actuated to generate said low-energy electromagnetic carrier output signals for exposing or applying to the patient such output signals during said exposure period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Frederico P. Costa
  • Patent number: 10583304
    Abstract: Leadless, implantable microstimulators for treating chronic inflammation. These devices can include a static magnetic field detector (e.g., non-Hall effect sensors/detectors, including those based on a Wiegand effect or generating pulses at a predetermined frequency range and using a detection circuit to determine the decay rate of the pulses), to trigger an emergency shut off of the microstimulator. Also described are methods and apparatuses for regulating the temperature of an implant based applied power from a charger (e.g., voltage across the charger when unloaded and when loaded by the implant) to yield a power control loop correlated with the power drawn by the implant to determine temperature of the implant. A negotiation protocol can exchange data between the charger and the implant (e.g., type of charger, type of implant, nature of the coupling between the two, etc.) to set target power control loop parameters to estimate and regulate implant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Jesse M. Simon
  • Patent number: 10583303
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices such as leadless cardiac pacemakers may include a rechargeable battery, and a receiving antenna for receiving radiative energy from an external transmitter. Energy captured by the receiving antenna of the implantable medical device may be converted into electrical energy that may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery of the implantable medical device. Since the rechargeable battery does not have to initially store sufficient energy to power the implantable medical device over its entire useful life, the battery itself and thus the implanted medical device can be made smaller while still achieving device longevity expectations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventors: Keith R. Maile, Benjamin Braaten, Daniel Ewert
  • Patent number: 10532215
    Abstract: Leadless, implantable microstimulators for treating chronic inflammation. These devices can include a static magnetic field detector (e.g., non-Hall effect sensors/detectors, including those based on a Wiegand effect or generating pulses at a predetermined frequency range and using a detection circuit to determine the decay rate of the pulses), to trigger an emergency shut off of the microstimulator. Also described are methods and apparatuses for regulating the temperature of an implant based applied power from a charger (e.g., voltage across the charger when unloaded and when loaded by the implant) to yield a power control loop correlated with the power drawn by the implant to determine temperature of the implant. A negotiation protocol can exchange data between the charger and the implant (e.g., type of charger, type of implant, nature of the coupling between the two, etc.) to set target power control loop parameters to estimate and regulate implant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Jesse M. Simon
  • Patent number: 10471275
    Abstract: A device (10) for light based skin treatment is provided. The device (10) comprises a light source (18) for providing an incident light beam (21) for treating a skin (30), optical elements for focusing the incident light beam (21) in a focal point (22) inside the skin (30), and a skin interface element (11) for, during use of the device (10), providing optical coupling of the incident light beam (21) from the device (10) into the skin (30). The skin interface element (11) comprises a transparent exit window (12) for allowing the incident light beam (21) to leave the device (10), on top of the exit window (12), a transparent mixture (13) of a polar substance and an apolar substance, and on top of the transparent mixture (13), a transparent foil (14), the transparent foil (14) being more hydrophobic than the exit window (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Babu Varghese, Rieko Verhagen
  • Patent number: 10434326
    Abstract: A device (10) for light based skin treatment is provided. The device (10) comprises a light source (18) for providing an incident light beam (21) for treating a skin (30), optical elements for focusing the incident light beam (21) in a focal point (22) inside the skin (30), and a skin interface element (11) for, during use of the device (10), providing optical coupling of the incident light beam (21) from the device (10) into the skin (30). The skin interface element (11) comprises a transparent exit window (12) for allowing the incident light beam (21) to leave the device (10), on top of the exit window (12), a transparent mixture (13) of a polar substance and an apolar substance, and on top of the transparent mixture (13), a transparent foil (14), the transparent foil (14) being more hydrophobic than the exit window (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Babu Varghese, Rieko Verhagen
  • Patent number: 10413717
    Abstract: A pain sensory nerve stimulation apparatus includes: an electrode portion including: a first electrode, a tip end of which is adapted to be inserted into a skin; and at lease one second electrode which is disposed in a circumference of the first electrode without being electrically conductive with the first electrode, and which is adapted to be in contact with a skin; and a pulse signal supplier, supplying a pulse signal in which an electrical polarity of the first electrode is set as a anode and an electrical polarity of the second electrode is set as a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: INTER-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CORPORATION NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF NATURAL SCIENCES, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Inui, Yasuyuki Takeshima, Jun Motogi, Yoshinobu Ono, Takeshi Kojima, Ryosuke Ushijima, Katsumi Nakaichi, Kazuwa Shibuya
  • Patent number: 10265116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, preferably a collar, for treating areas of human or animal skin or mucous membrane with a cold atmospheric pressure plasma by creating a dielectrically hindered surface discharge, comprising at least one flexible insulating material (1), a flexible high-voltage electrode (2), a flexible dielectric (3), a flexible grounded electrode (4) and a gas supply (7), characterized in that the flexible high-voltage electrode (2) is embedded in the insulating elastomer (3), having the effect of a dielectric, and the grounded electrode (4) is applied to the elastomer surface facing the surface to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUER PLASMAFORSCHUNG UND TECHNOLOGIE E.V
    Inventors: Manfred Stieber, Klaus-Dieter Weltmann, Stefan Horn, Ronny Brandenburg, Thomas Von Woedtke
  • Patent number: 10245426
    Abstract: A medical patch having an electric potential generating structure which is attachable to a wound to thus regenerate injured skin tissues is provided. The medical patch includes a unit patch having a piezoelectric potential generating structure. The unit patch includes a first layer, a second layer and a piezoelectric nanomaterial disposed between the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: Seoul National University RDB Foundation, Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University
    Inventors: Hong Koo Baik, Woo Soon Jang, Tae Il Lee, Byung Soo Kim, Suk Ho Bhang, Wan Geun La
  • Patent number: 10207101
    Abstract: A system for suppressing vestibular activity of a human subject includes an electronics module configured to generate one or more electrical stimulation signals. A plurality of electrodes each placed proximate a predetermined location on a head of a human subject is configured to deliver the one or more electrical stimulation signals to the predetermined location to suppress vestibular activity of the human subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignees: Vivonics, Inc., Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Anna M Galea, Michael J. Cevette, Gaurav N. Pradhan, Jan Stepanek, Daniela Cocco, Sarah Oakley Holbert, Linsey S. Scheibler, Jamie M. Bogle
  • Patent number: 9968782
    Abstract: A method and system for enhancing migration of precursor cells in a desired direction, comprising applying a biphasic monopolar electrical field to the precursor cells. The method and system can be used to treat injury or disease of neural or skin tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Cindi M. Morshead, Milos R. Popovic, Robart Babona-Pilipos
  • Patent number: 9889296
    Abstract: Battery-driven stimulators for electrotherapy usually equip with a small battery to generate specified current waveforms applied to human body for stimulation. Such current waveforms can easily get into a saturated status due to high bio-impedance and low battery power. The present disclosure provides a system in which the waveform is adjusted according to feedbacks taken from a patient to reduce or avoid saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: TRIOWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Huiyou Zhu
  • Patent number: 9855418
    Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth, for uses such as reducing orthodontic pain and encouraging tooth movement, has electrodes of a rigid, electrically conductive material in a fixed spatial relationship configured for application to oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along a periodontal ligament of, a root structure of a single tooth. An electrical circuit is configured for electrical connection to the at least two electrodes. The electrical circuit has an output providing a subsensory electrical stimulus comprising a waveform in accordance with predetermined stimulation parameters. After the electrodes are applied to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along the periodontal ligament of, a root structure of the tooth, a switch, when activated, activates the electrical circuit to output the electrical stimulus through the at least two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Cosmo Haralambidis
  • Patent number: 9777265
    Abstract: A method for accelerating the migration of cells by applying a time-varying magnetic field to induce eddy currents that promote electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) of cells. The method of the present invention accelerates the healing of wounds by electrotaxis of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Vish Subramaniam, Joseph West, Emily Alkandry, Sashwati Roy, Chandan Sen, Piya Ghatak
  • Patent number: 9770590
    Abstract: An input sound signal is processed to generate band pass signals. Band pass envelope signals are extracted that reflect time varying amplitude of the band pass signals. Stimulation timing signals are generated that reflect the temporal fine structure features of the band pass signals. A key feature value present in the input sound signal or the band pass signals is monitored. For one or more selected band pass signals, a stimulation coding strategy is selected from multiple possible stimulation coding strategies based on the key feature value. The multiple possible stimulation coding strategies including an envelope-based stimulation coding strategy based on the band pass envelope signals, and an event-based stimulation coding strategy based on the stimulation timing signals. The selected stimulation coding strategy is used to produce the electrode stimulation signals for the electrode contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Meister, Thomas Schwarzenbeck
  • Patent number: 9597099
    Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: positioning an energy delivery device configured to deliver energy adjacent uric acid (UA) crystals having a resonance frequency; applying energy to tissue through the energy delivery device at a predetermined frequency thereby resonating the UA crystals; debulking at least a portion of the UA crystals; and removing at least a portion of the debulked UA crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Anthony B. Ross, William H. Nau, Jr., David J. Van Tol
  • Patent number: 9555240
    Abstract: A system and method for skeletal muscle stimulation is provided for increasing muscle mass by stimulating a muscle in an optimal condition through a stimulus signal from an electrical stimulation device disposed at a stimulation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Mok Choi, Byung Hoon Ko, Kun Soo Shin
  • Patent number: 9333356
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an electric waveform for neural stimulation or nerve block. The system can include a first circuit component configured to provide a self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. In some instances, the first circuit component can provide a “pause” waveform (e.g., with a period (T) that includes a swing time (ts) in which the waveform varies in a biphasic manner and a pause time (tp) in which the waveform has a constant amplitude). The system can also include a second circuit component configured to ensure that the oscillating signal is charge-balanced across at least one period of the self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
  • Patent number: 9320898
    Abstract: An exemplary electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) device includes 1) a detection facility configured to detect audio content presented to a patient and included in an acoustic stimulation frequency range, 2) an acoustic stimulation management facility configured to direct a loud-speaker to apply acoustic stimulation representative of the audio content included in the acoustic stimulation frequency range to the patient, and 3) an electrical stimulation management facility configured to direct a cochlear implant implanted within the patient to apply sub-threshold electrical stimulation to the patient by way of one or more electrodes disposed within an apical region of a cochlea of the patient together with the application of the acoustic stimulation. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Mark B. Downing, Leonid M. Litvak
  • Patent number: 9289591
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Articulate Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Kirn
  • Patent number: 9220426
    Abstract: A neural tube capable of complexly playing roles of a support for regenerating a nerve and a nerve electrode has a support connected to a terminal of an injured nerve, and a sieve electrode having an electrode hole formed in a body thereof and a circular electrode formed around the electrode hole, wherein the body of the sieve electrode is buried in the support, wherein a cavity-type channel is formed at the support to extend to the inside of the support, wherein the electrode hole is aligned with the channel, and wherein a nerve cell growing along the channel at the terminal of the injured nerve is capable of contacting the circular electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jinseok Kim, Jinwoo Jeong, Jun-Kyo Francis Suh, Kuiwon Choi, Inchan Youn
  • Patent number: 9216104
    Abstract: A dressing is provided for application to an object that is, at least partly, electrically conductive. The dressing includes an adhesive for attaching the dressing to the object, and at least two electrodes. The electrodes are adapted to be arranged at a distance from the partly electrically conductive object so that a first capacitor is formed between a first electrode and the partly electrically conductive object, and a second capacitor is formed between a second electrode and the partly electrically conductive object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Thirstrup, Daniel Nilsson, Henrik Pranov, Lars Lading
  • Patent number: 9205275
    Abstract: Described herein are magnetic neural stimulation systems for the treatment of neurological disorders. One variation of a magnetic neural stimulation system includes magnetic stimulators shaped as helical or ramped coils, where each turn of the coil has an acute turning angle of less than 90 degrees. Also described herein are magnetic neural stimulation systems that include an array of stimulators and one or more shielding components. The shielding components modulate the density profile of the induced eddy currents to increase stimulation to targeted neural tissue regions while decreasing stimulation to non-targeted neural regions. Other variations of magnetic stimulation systems include one or more stimulators and a shield in which some of the induced eddy currents in the shield may act to attenuate the magnetic field in certain regions of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Neuroprex Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-tsz Pan, Zhaoyin Wu, Hsiu-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 9168054
    Abstract: A control circuit of a surgical device is disclosed. The control circuit includes a first circuit portion coupled to at least one switch operable between an open state and a closed state. The first circuit portion communicates with a surgical generator over a conductor pair to receive a control signal to determine a state of the at least one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Turner, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9042993
    Abstract: A method and system of conditioning human skin and hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeable interface conductors that are contoured to enhance electrical conductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Each of the interchangeable interface conductors are preferably formed to maximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, the skin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in a user's grasp while providing maximum contact with the selected body surface. The skin/hair conditioner includes an audio signal generator and a vibration mechanism to alert a user of a change in status of the conditioner. The interface conductors may be (1) smoothly rounded, (2) include teeth, (3) spherical or hemispherical (4) include multiple rounded nodules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Proventure (Far East), Limited
    Inventors: Stuart A. Cook, Bruno Gimelli, James N. Doyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9020590
    Abstract: An apparatus to stimulate resonant frequencies of mammals, including humans, through transcutaneously applied bipolar micro-current therapeutic frequencies eXclusive OR (XOR) modulated over a variable duty cycle carrier square wave. A Fibonacci number clocked stored-program microcontroller generates a variable duty cycle higher frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) carrier square wave output which is XOR modulated with a lower therapeutic frequency square wave output to control an H-Bridge driver capacitive coupled to an isolation transformer. The preferred embodiment supports one or more user inputs and displaying program and operational information on a suitable display. Further, using an H-Bridge to drive an inductive load with bi-polar pulses creates scalar waves when the H-Bridge's output is switched from one polarity to the opposite each time the therapeutic low frequency square wave output XOR modulates the higher frequency PWM square wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: James David Honeycutt, Vickie Lynn Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 9008780
    Abstract: Methods for bridging brain sites between which there is substantially no effective communication, and associated neural prosthetic devices, are provided. A neural spike in a first neural site in a subject is detected, and a stimulus to a second neural site in the subject is delivered within a defined period of time after the detection of the neural spike, wherein there is substantially no effective communication between the first and second neural sites. The method forms an artificial bridge between the two neural sites, and establishes lasting communication between the two sites. The present disclosure provides, among other things, a neural prosthetic device comprising an integrated circuit that comprises a recording front-end comprising a plurality of recording channels; a processor unit; and a stimulus delivering back-end comprising a plurality of stimulation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Case Western Reserve University, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Randolph J. Nudo, David Guggenmos, Pedram Mohseni, Meysam Azin
  • Patent number: 9008800
    Abstract: Example ionic coupling electrodes are described. One example ionic conducting electrode includes a first portion that can be coupled to a single phase current source. The first portion carries current flow via electrons. The electrode includes a second portion to apply a current to a nerve tissue. The second portion carries current flow via ions. The second portion is positioned between the nerve tissue and the first portion to prevent the first portion from touching the nerve tissue. The current applied to the nerve tissue is produced in the second portion in response to a current that is present in the first portion. The current present in the first portion is provided from a single phase current source. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications and nerve stimulation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., Kevin Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra
  • Patent number: 8954155
    Abstract: A skin rejuvenation device and method for the cosmetic or anti-aging reduction of wrinkles and other skin conditions is disclosed. The skin rejuvenation device comprises an array of positive and negative electrodes for the delivery of electrical microcurrents in the attoampere to milliampere range, light sources to deliver photonic stimulation and/or transducers to deliver ultrasonic stimulation to the skin and underlying tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Biotalk Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Mark E. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150032180
    Abstract: A method for generating a signal shape (w1) for an electro-stimulation signal (w1) for healing wounds by electro-stimulation by way of an electrode (E1) which has an encoding member (6) with a code word (cw) which identifies therapeutic treatments, and is coupled to indicators (i1, i2) which indicate which treatments have to be activated. The signal shape (w1) is formed systematically from base signals capable of being parameterized such as a DC signal and two pulse trains, the parameters and the timing of which are formed systematically and applied where necessary, in accordance with the combined therapies. The generation of signal shapes for a plurality of electrodes is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Q CARE MEDICAL SERVICES
    Inventors: Marc Bollen, Filip Ponsaerts
  • Publication number: 20140379043
    Abstract: This invention provides a new technology for management of back pain by stimulating the spinal cord in a manner that renders it refractory to transmission of deleterious or undesirable sensory input. The electrical stimulus comprises high frequency pulses in a regular or complex pattern or that are stochastically produced under microprocessor control. The stimulus is applied directly to the surface of the spinal cord from within the spinal canal, which provides important benefits over previous technology. The stimulus alleviates symptoms and signs of back pain, while minimizing the risk of side effects such as paresthesia, and potentially minimizing the effects on motor neuron transmission and proprioception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: University of Iowa research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard
  • Patent number: 8900217
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wound dressing system is presented. The wound dressing system includes a fluid permeable support layer, the support layer configured for positioning within a wound and adapted to generally conform to a topography of the wound, and to permit exudates from the wound to pass therethrough. The wound dressing system further includes a plurality of beads supported by the support layer, the beads defining an insulated inter-connected elongate member and an electrode embedded within and extending through at least a portion of the elongate member. Also, a current is generated by an external energy source that electrically flows through the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arnaz Malhi
  • Patent number: 8892210
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automated optimization of muscle stimulation energy. In some embodiments the disclosure optimizes stimulation parameters and/or stimulation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Niveus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Fahey
  • Publication number: 20140324120
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for pain and wound treatment of a subject. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise a complete wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of pain and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system mounted on the upper face of a flexible polymeric substrate layer. The lower face of the substrate layer will comprise areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using thin film coating techniques. The device can then be applied to the user with a medical grade pressure sensitive adhesive coating provided on the lower face of the substrate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Kath M. Bogie, Steven L. Garverick, Christian A. Zorman, Daniel S. Howe
  • Patent number: 8874223
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating pressure ulcers by transmitting an electrical stimulus sufficient to effect contraction of a loaded muscle, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing an electrical transmission for effecting contraction of the loaded muscle, transmitting sufficient electrical stimulation to the muscle to contract it for a predetermined short period of time, and ceasing transmission of the stimulus to the muscle for a predetermined longer period of muscle relaxation, whereby the predetermined period of relaxation is sufficient to minimize muscle fatigue and cause sustained reoxygenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Prev Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Vivian K. Mushahwar, Leandro Rafael Solis-Aguilar
  • Patent number: 8855779
    Abstract: Described herein are electrical markers, specifically alternate current (AC) signals whose appearance in patients with wounds, specifically chronic wounds, correlates to the prognosis of the wounds. Related methods that can be used for diagnosis and treatment of wounds are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify electrical signals of wounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ADB International Group Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Afargan, Elia Bernardino Ricci
  • Publication number: 20140277273
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for migrating cells implanted or endogenous in tissue. The system may include first and second delivery electrodes configured for insertion in tissue and a direct current (DC) power source operatively coupled to the first and second delivery electrodes. The system further may include a programmable controller operatively coupled to the DC power source, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to direct the DC power source to deliver an electric field between the first delivery electrode and the second delivery electrode at a stimulation to nonstimulation ratio sufficient to cause the cells to migrate within tissue selectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Min ZHAO, Junfeng FENG, Lei ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8835166
    Abstract: Extracellular matrix material is disclosed which is created by subjecting a target area to non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) with a pulsed electrical field to kill cells in the absence of thermal damage. The dead cellular material may be removed and the remaining non-cellular matrix material may be implanted into a repair site to be treated medically or cosmetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mary Phillips, Elad Maor, Boris Rubinsky, Jacob Lavee
  • Patent number: 8812119
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-invasive stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair-system using a plurality of electrons. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health in a number of medical conditions. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treatment using a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair system using a plurality of electrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: James Colthurst
  • Patent number: 8805522
    Abstract: A dressing for treating a damaged tissue, incorporates a pair of electrodes and a conductive gel between the electrodes. An electric current passes between the electrodes through the gel to repair the damaged tissue. Sensors can be incorporated into the dressing along with a control unit. The control unit can vary the current supplied to the electrodes according to environmental parameters detected by the sensors. Alternatively, one or more pre-defined programs can be stored in the control unit for supplying an alternating current to the electrodes with a varying amplitude, frequency and waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Synapse Electroceutical Limited
    Inventor: David John Chapman-Jones