Energy Source Outside Generator Body Patents (Class 607/61)
  • Patent number: 11938327
    Abstract: A stimulation system for a patient is provided. The system comprises: at least one implantable device comprising at least one implantable antenna; and an external device comprising at least one external antenna, wherein the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna. The at least one implantable device delivers therapy to the patient. A patient attachment device or body covering positions the at least one external antenna relative to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Nalu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Fason Hartley, Christopher Linden, Daniel M. Pivonka, Ji-Jon Sit, Lakshmi Narayan Mishra, Logan Palmer, Brett Daniel Schleicher, Mark David Londborg, James Goodman, James C. Makous, Andre Castillo
  • Patent number: 11888325
    Abstract: An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device and a external charger. The implantable medical device includes a rechargeable power source, electronic components coupled to the rechargeable power source to deliver a therapy to or monitor a parameter of a patient, and a recharge system operably coupled to the rechargeable power source including a secondary coil to receive power via an inductive power transfer. The external charger includes a housing forming an internal compartment, recharger electronic components disposed on a printed circuit board assembly in the internal compartment, and a recharge coil assembly disposed within the internal compartment, the recharge coil assembly including a recharge coil to provide power to the secondary coil via the inductive power transfer and a flux guide having a ferrite sheet disposed between the recharge coil and the printed circuit board assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Schulzetenberg, Venkat R. Gaddam, Jason H. Harper, Brett Otteson
  • Patent number: 11872368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed wherein temperature in a device such as an ambulatory infusion pump is monitored during inductive charging of the device such that temperature-sensitive contents or components, such as, for example, insulin, particular circuitry and/or other components are not damaged. Temperature can be monitored in the device at one or more locations during inductive charging. If the temperature breaches one or more predetermined thresholds and/or is rising at a rate greater than one or more predetermined thresholds, charging can be suspended or provided at reduced power to prevent the temperature from further rising and damaging the contents and/or components of the device. One or more alerts associated with these events may also be triggered so that the user is aware of the situation and may take corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb Butler, Robert Eastridge, Michael Michaud, Philip S. Lamb, Geoffrey A. Kruse
  • Patent number: 11857797
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation devices, and in particular to a wireless power coil for a neuromodulation device that is to be implanted in a minimally invasive manner, for example, through a trocar or cannula. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device that includes a lossy housing surrounding a power supply, and a receiving coil configured to exchange power wirelessly via a wireless power transfer signal and deliver the power to the power supply. The receiving coil is spaced a predetermined distance from the lossy housing. The medical device further includes a gap provided between the lossy housing and the receiving coil on a vertical plane, and a spacer that fills in at least a portion of the gap to maintain the lossy housing a predetermined distance from the receiving coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Stephen O'Driscoll, Damiano Patron
  • Patent number: 11826122
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, system and device are provided. The method transmits an energizing signal from an external antenna, coupled to a local external device (LED), to an implanted antenna of a passive implanted medical device (PIMD). The energizing signal is transmitted while the external antenna is at first and second positions. The method receives, at the external antenna, first and second energy transfer characteristic (ETC) values associated with the first and second positions, respectively. The method is under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method analyzes the first and second ETC values to determine a difference therebetween. The method provides an energy transfer level (ETL) indicator based on the difference between the first and second ETC values. The ETL indicator provides feedback regarding a degree of energy transfer associated with at least one of the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS II S.A.R.L. (
    Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Michael Fonseca, William D. Barrett, Philip M. FitzSimons
  • Patent number: 11800986
    Abstract: A non-pressure continuous blood pressure measuring device, comprises: a radar sensing module, an electro-cardiac sensing module and a microprocessor. The radar sensing module includes at least a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter continuously provides a pulse wave signal to an artery, the receiver receives a reflected pulse wave signal. The electro-cardiac sensing module includes at least an electrode; the electro-cardiac sensing module receives an electro-cardiac signal through the electrode. The microprocessor is in signal transmittable connection with the radar sensing module and the electro-cardiac sensing module. The microprocessor controls the radar sensing module and the electro-cardiac sensing module, and simultaneously receives the reflected pulse wave signal and the electro-cardiac signal. The microprocessor determines a blood pressure parameter of the artery according to the reflected pulse wave signal and the electrocardiography signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hong-Dun Lin, Tai-Wei Su, Chun-Kai Chang
  • Patent number: 11794020
    Abstract: A method for data exchange and charging is provided. An implantable medical device is monitored and charging of the implantable medical device is initiated by providing charge parameters to a bedside monitor. Communication is initiated between a puck associated with the bedside monitor and implantable medical device. The implantable medical device is charged using the charge parameters. Simultaneously with the charging, transfer of data between the implantable medical device and the bedside monitor is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: BARDY DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gust H. Bardy, Jason Felix, Lilly Paul
  • Patent number: 11761909
    Abstract: A sensor includes a radio frequency interrogator, a responsive patch, a radio frequency resonance detector, and a transmission line. The radio frequency interrogator is configured to produce an electromagnetic interrogation pulse having a first frequency. The responsive patch includes a substrate and a resonant layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The substrate includes a polymer. The resonant layer includes an electrically conductive nanomaterial. The resonant layer is configured to resonate at the first frequency in response to receiving the electromagnetic interrogation pulse. The radio frequency resonance detector is configured to detect a resonating response of the responsive patch. The transmission line couples the responsive patch to the radio frequency resonance detector. The transmission line is configured to transmit the resonating response of the responsive patch to the radio frequency resonance detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ali Al Shehri, Keith William Brashler, Doru Catalin Turcan
  • Patent number: 11752354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter unit (12) comprising a housing (20), a transmitter coil (18) arranged in the housing (20) for inductively transferring electrical energy to a receiver unit (14) which is provided with a receiver coil (16) and is arranged in the tissue (2) of the body (1) of a patient when the housing (20) having a contact surface (22) is placed on the body (1), and comprising a control device (30) for controlling the operation of the transmitter coil (18). According to the invention, a temperature sensor (26) is provided in the transmitter unit for determining a heating of the tissue (2) of the body (1) caused by the inductive transfer of electrical energy to the receiver unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: KARDION GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Stotz, Samuel Vasconcelos Araujo, Michael Jiptner
  • Patent number: 11757313
    Abstract: A power transmitter for wireless power transfer includes a control and communications unit configured to provide power control signals to control a power level of a power signal configured for transmission to a power receiver and including a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator for determining and selecting the operating frequency from the operating frequency range. The power transmitter further includes an inverter circuit configured to receive a direct current (DC) power and convert the input power to a power signal, coil configured to transmit the power signal to a power receiver, the coil formed of wound Litz wire and including at least one layer, the coil defining, at least, a top face, and a shielding comprising a ferrite core and defining a cavity, the cavity configured such that the ferrite core substantially surrounds all but the top face of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Green, Andrew Kovacs, Mark Melone, Md Nazmul Alam
  • Patent number: 11724115
    Abstract: A wireless charger device is configured to charge an implantable medical device (IMD). A patient controller obtains one or more power parameters from the charger device during charging of the IMD. The patient controller estimates a temperature range of the IMD using the one or more power parameters from the charger device and compares to a heating threshold. The patient controller then determines whether one or more spacers are recommended in response to the comparison. The one or more spacers are removably attached to the wireless charger device and are configured to lay in a position between the wireless charger device and a patient's skin to increase a charging path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Ortiz Hernandez, Li Sun, Nicholas Sachs
  • Patent number: 11695302
    Abstract: An antenna for wireless power transfer includes a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, at least one inner turn, the at least one inner turn having an inner turn width, and at least one outer turn, the at least one outer turn having an outer turn width, the outer turn width greater than the inner turn width. The antenna further includes a substrate positioned underneath the at least one inner turn and the at least one outer turn and a plurality of separate panes of a magnetic shielding material. Each of the plurality of separate panes are positioned substantially co-planar, with respect to each other, and positioned between the substrate and both the at least one inner turns and the at least one outer turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventor: Md. Nazmul Alam
  • Patent number: 11685271
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a source high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy source, a second high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy drain that may be located a distance from the source resonator. A third high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy drain that may be located a distance from the source resonator. The source resonator and at least one of the second resonator and third resonator may be coupled to transfer electromagnetic energy from said source resonator to said at least one of the second resonator and third resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John D. Joannopoulos, Aristeidis Karalis, Marin Soljacic
  • Patent number: 11642537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved power transmission are disclosed herein. The system can include an implantable neurostimulator for delivering the one or more electrical pulses to a patient's body. The implantable neurostimulator can include a hermetic housing made of a biocompatible material, an energy storage feature for powering the implantable neurostimulator, a receiving coil assembly including an elongate wire winding wound around a first ferritic core, and control circuitry for controlling recharging of the energy storage feature. The system can include a charging device for wirelessly delivering energy to the implantable neurostimulator. The charging device can include a sending coil assembly including a planar wire winding coupled to a surface of a second ferritic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Axonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rabih Nassif
  • Patent number: 11569696
    Abstract: A control method of a minimum power input applicable to a wireless power transfer system including a power transmission unit and at least one power receiving unit is provided. The power transmission unit is electrically connected with a control voltage signal and an input voltage signal and accordingly generates the minimum power input. The power transmission unit transmits the minimum power input wirelessly through a wireless transmission to the at least one power receiving unit for receiving. By adjusting the input voltage signal, the duty ratio and resonant frequency of the control voltage signal, the present invention ensures an optimal power transmission efficiency of the wireless power transmission system. Moreover, parameters of a charge pump reservoir and gate driving circuit can be further designed in view of the trend feedback of its gate drive waveforms so as to optimize the effect of the proposed invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL YANG MING CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei-Hua Chieng, Edward Yi Chang, Stone Cheng, Shyr-Long Jeng, Newton Tang, Chih-Chiang Wu, Ching-Yao Liu, Kuo-Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 11529513
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system includes a conductive element, a magnetic field generator, a power module and a computer processor. The conductive element located internal a patient's body. At least a portion of the conductive element is positioned adjacent to a target tissue. The magnetic field generator is positioned external to the patient's body. The magnetic field generator generates a time varying magnetic field for inducing stimulation of the target tissue in combination with the conductive element to produce stimulation that is larger than that which would occur in the absence of the conductive element. The power module supplies power to the magnetic field generator. The computer processor controls the time varying magnetic field provided by the magnetic field generator according to at least one set of stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: EBT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sasha John, Paul B. Yoo
  • Patent number: 11524157
    Abstract: Implantable leadless cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing using the leadless cardiac pacing systems are described. In one embodiment, an implantable leadless cardiac pacing system includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of a patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient via a therapy vector formed between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G. T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes
  • Patent number: 11502545
    Abstract: A watch charging assembly 10 has a coil 22, a membrane 24 and a back plate 12. The coil 22 is configured to pass electric current received at a first or second contact pad 27, 28. The membrane 24 is affixed to the coil 22 forming a membrane and coil assembly 20. The back plate 12 has a pair of conductive inserts 30. Each conductive insert 30 is aligned with and contacts each contact pad 27, 28. The back plate 12 with the coil 22 and membrane 24 form the charging assembly 10. The charging assembly 10 is configured to form a bottom or underside or, alternatively, be attached to a bottom or underside of a rechargeable battery operated wristwatch 100 and when worn, the charging assembly 10 receives electric current from the wearer to charge a rechargeable battery of the wristwatch 100. The coil 22 can be a pancake coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Puthalath Koroth Raghuprasad
  • Patent number: 11495987
    Abstract: Devices and methods described herein facilitate rapid wireless recharging, while reducing risk of injury, damage, or discomfort caused by heat generated during recharging. The embodiments described herein are useful in a variety of context, including for IoT devices, personal electronics, electric vehicles, and medical devices, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Fried, Venkat R. Gaddam, Brett Otteson
  • Patent number: 11490813
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, system and device are provided. The method transmits an energizing signal from an external antenna, coupled to a local external device (LED), to an implanted antenna of a passive implanted medical device (PIMD). The energizing signal is transmitted while the external antenna is at first and second positions. The method receives, at the external antenna, first and second energy transfer characteristic (ETC) values associated with the first and second positions, respectively. The method is under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method analyzes the first and second ETC values to determine a difference therebetween. The method provides an energy transfer level (ETL) indicator based on the difference between the first and second ETC values. The ETL indicator provides feedback regarding a degree of energy transfer associated with at least one of the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS II S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX 11”)
    Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Michael Fonseca, William D. Barrett, Philip M. FitzSimons
  • Patent number: 11484722
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a medical device that includes a fixture configured for periodic patient proximity; external electrical coupling device integrated into the fixture wherein the external electrical coupling device comprises at least one external energy coupler and is configured to detect presence of an electrical medical device implant in a transmission zone of the external electrical coupling device; an electrical medical device implant, wherein the electrical medical device implant comprises at least one implant energy coupler; and wherein the external electrical coupling device is configured to couple to the implantable medical device through a wireless energy transmission between the external energy coupler and the implant energy coupler when presence of the implantable medical device is within a transmission zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Intelligent Implants Limited
    Inventors: Erik Robert Zellmer, John Michael Zellmer, Rory Murphy
  • Patent number: 11471692
    Abstract: A charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a charging coil and one or more sense coils preferably housed in a charging coil assembly coupled to an electronics module by a cable. The charging coil is preferably a wire winding, while the sense coils are preferably formed in one or more traces of a circuit board. One or more voltages induced on the one or more sense coils can be used to determine one or more parameters (magnitude, phase angle, resonant frequency) indicative of the position between the charging coil and the IMD, which position may include the radial offset and possibly also the depth of the charging coil relative to the IMD. Knowing the position, the power of the magnetic field produced by the charging coil can be adjusted to compensate for the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aghassian, Thomas W. Stouffer, Jonathan Larcom, Gaurav Gupta
  • Patent number: 11451265
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of making and using and apparatus for wirelessly communicating data and providing power, particularly from a location exterior to a body and to an implantable device disposed within a body with tissue. The described embodiments provide apparatus and methods for efficiently transfer data and power between an external transceiver and an (implanted) biomedical device. The method is to modulate power carrier, which wirelessly powers the device, using an asynchronous modulation scheme, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation, with minimal modulation depth in order to not disrupt the power flow. The digital data is encoded in the pulse width, eliminating the need for synchronization to the power carrier signal and further minimizing the power consumption necessary for data transfer. Additionally, a reverse backscatter method for obtaining data from the implant is described that has flexible, low power operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Anatoly Anatolievich Yakovlev, Daniel Pivonka, Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Teresa H. Meng
  • Patent number: 11437866
    Abstract: A contactless motor vehicle-charging device which, as components, includes a primary side and a secondary side, between which, via at least one air gap, energy can be transferred via inductive and/or capacitive coupling, and each of the components in each case includes at least a portion of a control circuit of the contactless motor vehicle-charging device, wherein at least one of the components includes a field controller and at least one of the components comprises a field measurement device which is designed to acquire a magnetic and/or electric field strength, wherein the field controller is designed to use in at least one control operation the acquired field strength as an actual value and, by this actual value and a predetermined setpoint value, to set at least one field strength of the contactless motor vehicle-charging device as a control variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Tobias Grassl, Reinhard Peer
  • Patent number: 11413465
    Abstract: A method and system for gastric stimulation and imaging for a user. The system having an array of millimeter-sized gastric seeds implanted in a stomach area of a user. Each gastric seed is ultrasonically powered and communicates using a transducer, and the transducer has a recorder to measure a bioelectrical activity in the stomach area of the user. A wearable unit (WU) is worn or carried by the user, and the WU wirelessly powers the gastric seeds. The WU wirelessly communicates with the gastric seeds, and the gastric seeds communicate a parameter to the WU based on the bioelectrical activity. Received pulses by the seeds can be used to localize the position of the seeds and guide the wireless power/data transmission in a self-image-guided manner. A processing unit (PU) wirelessly communicates with the WU, and the WU communicates the parameters from the gastric seeds to the PU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Mehdi Kiani
  • Patent number: 11411435
    Abstract: An integrated circuit, such as included as a portion of a sensor node, can include a regulator circuit having an input coupleable to an energy harvesting transducer. The integrated circuit can include a wireless receiver circuit coupled to the regulator circuit and configured to wirelessly receive at least enough operating energy to establish operation of the sensor node without requiring the energy harvesting transducer. The integrated circuit can include a digital processor circuit coupled to the regulator circuit and a power management processor circuit. The digital processor circuit or one or more other circuits can include a subthreshold operational mode established by the power management processor circuit based on the selected energy consumption level. For example, establishing the subthreshold operational mode can include adjusting or selecting a supply voltage so as to establish subthreshold operation of a field effect transistor (FET) in the digital processor circuit or other circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: University of Virginia Patent Foundation, University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Benton H. Calhoun, Brian Otis
  • Patent number: 11404909
    Abstract: An electronic device configured to transmit or receive power by inductive power transfer is disclosed. The electronic device includes an inductive charging receiver to receive electromagnetic power through a surface from a magnetic field at an operating frequency within a frequency range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz from an inductive charger. The inductive charging receiver includes a substantially planar inductive coil with a metallic spiral-shaped conductor, and further includes an electrically conductive shield positioned between the conductor of the inductive coil and the surface of the electronic device such that the shield covers the metallic spiral-shaped conductor. The shield may include a metal layer that has a metal thickness in a range of 1 to 70 micrometers, or the shield may be non-metallic. Transmission of electromagnetic power through the shield is allowed in the frequency range for inductive power transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Mojo Mobillity Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Partovi, Michael Sears
  • Patent number: 11351388
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation devices, and in particular to a wireless power coil for a neuromodulation device that is to be implanted in a minimally invasive manner, for example, through a trocar or cannula. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device that includes a lossy housing surrounding a power supply, and a receiving coil configured to exchange power wirelessly via a wireless power transfer signal and deliver the power to the power supply. The receiving coil is spaced a predetermined distance from the lossy housing. The medical device further includes a gap provided between the lossy housing and the receiving coil on a vertical plane, and a spacer that fills in at least a portion of the gap to maintain the lossy housing a predetermined distance from the receiving coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Stephen O'Driscoll, Damiano Patron
  • Patent number: 11318250
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Patent number: 11316358
    Abstract: A hybrid battery system is provided for extending the shelf-life of rechargeable batteries. The hybrid battery system may contain sets of non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries respectively. As the rechargeable batteries are discharged (e.g., from self-discharge), the hybrid battery system may utilize the non-rechargeable batteries to maintain the rechargeable batteries at a preferred state of charge. A preferred state of charge may be selected to extend the shelf-life of the rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, a signal may change the preferred state of charge to prepare the rechargeable batteries for use or for other reasons. The hybrid battery system may contain modular components, thereby allowing for easy replacement of defective or otherwise unsuitable non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or supporting electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Iterna, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Christ Tamburrino, Omar Tabbara
  • Patent number: 11285330
    Abstract: A device housing for an IMD is suggested, the device housing having: a front side, a flat end face that is arranged perpendicular to the front side and connects to a straight upper edge of the front side, the front side having a maximum width (Bmax) that is measured parallel to the straight upper edge, and a maximum height (Hmax) that is measured perpendicular to the straight edge, wherein the ratio R of maximum width (Bmax) to maximum height (Hmax), i.e., Bmax/Hmax, is between 1.05 and 1.35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Doerr
  • Patent number: 11241582
    Abstract: An example method includes receiving, by an implantable device and from an external device, an energy signal; transducing, by the implantable device, the energy signal into electrical power; outputting, by the implantable device and to the external device, a feedback signal that represents an absolute level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal, wherein the feedback signal includes a first portion that represents a relative level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal and a second portion that represents a reference voltage level; and delivering, by the implantable device, a level of electrical stimulation therapy proportional to the absolute level of the electrical power transduced from the energy signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamu K. Alford, Thaddeus S. Brink, Douglas S. Cerny, Sarah J. Offutt, Jerel K. Mueller
  • Patent number: 11239709
    Abstract: A power transmitter for wireless power transfer includes a control and communications unit configured to provide power control signals to control a power level of a power signal configured for transmission to a power receiver and including a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator for determining and selecting the operating frequency from the operating frequency range. The power transmitter further includes an inverter circuit configured to receive a direct current (DC) power and convert the input power to a power signal, coil configured to transmit the power signal to a power receiver, the coil formed of wound Litz wire and including at least one layer, the coil defining, at least, a top face, and a shielding comprising a ferrite core and defining a cavity, the cavity configured such that the ferrite core substantially surrounds all but the top face of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Green, Andrew Kovacs, Mark Melone, Md Nazmul Alam
  • Patent number: 11213685
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a medical implant having a receiving coil. A flexible housing to be placed against skin of a subject includes a flexible transmitting coil and control circuitry for driving a current through the transmitting coil to induce a current in the receiving coil. A sensor coupled to the circuitry determines divergence of a resonance frequency of the transmitting coil when flexed from a nominal resonance frequency of the transmitting coil, occurring in the absence of any forces applied to the transmitting coil. One or more electrical components coupled to the circuitry tune the resonance frequency of the transmitting coil. A switch is coupled to each of the electrical components, the switches including transistors having capacitances that depend on the voltage applied to each switch. The circuitry applies a voltage of 30-300 volts to each switch. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: BLUEWIND MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Gur Oron, Anton Plotkin, Eran Benjamin, Alexander Firtel, Amiel Greenberg, Yigal Elisha
  • Patent number: 11213679
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a battery, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) circuit, a power management circuit, a first output unit, and a second output unit. The TENS circuit provides a TENS electrical current. The power management circuit is coupled to the battery and the TENS circuit for managing a power distribution of the portable electronic device. The first output unit receives the TENS electrical current from the TENS circuit and outputs the TENS electrical current to a user. The second output unit receives a power signal from the battery and outputs the power signal to an external electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS NEURO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Cheng Chen, Quan Xiao, Yun Jiang
  • Patent number: 11144740
    Abstract: A reader for medical implants includes an antenna and a transceiver chip connected with the antenna. The transceiver chip includes a power amplifier and a resistor. The power amplifier is connected with a reference voltage through the resistor and configured to produce a first communication signal with high frequency and transmit the first communication signal to the medical implants through the antenna. The medical implant receives the first communication signal and produces a second communication signal according to variation of parameters of the medical implant. The antenna is configured to receive the second communication signal. The power amplifier is further configured to vary a DC current which flows through the resistor according to the second communication signal and read signals of the medical implant according to variation of the DC current. The power amplifier is further configured to modulate the second communication signal into a low frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN DANSHA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shilei Lang
  • Patent number: 11135440
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Peter Gibson, Charles Roger Aaron Leigh, Frank Risi, David Walker
  • Patent number: 11063479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus related to detecting the presence of a power transfer coil implanted in a patient are disclosed. According to the aspect, an external device of a medical implant system is provided, the external device having an external coil and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to monitor a resonance frequency associated with the external coil. When the resonance frequency changes as a distance between the external coil and an expected location of an internal coil, then the processing circuitry is configured to conclude that the internal coil has been detected. When the resonance frequency ramps up to a steady state value at a rate that falls below a rate threshold, then the processing circuitry is configured to conclude that the internal coil is connected to an internal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Peichel, Jonathan P. Roberts, Jacob A. Roe
  • Patent number: 11050274
    Abstract: A charger for an electronic device includes a rechargeable battery, at least one charging port in the device electrically coupled with the battery, a wireless charger electrically coupled with the battery and a magnetic mount magnetically engageable with a ferromagnetic element in the electronic device. The magnetic mount is adjacent the wireless charger. The charger is mountable to a personal travel case. The electronic device may be magnetically coupled to the charger. Alternatively, the charger may be electrically connected to the electronic device with the electronic device remotely attached to the personal travel case through a magnetic bracket fixed to the personal travel case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Traveler's Choice Travelware
    Inventor: Roger Yang
  • Patent number: 11013930
    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: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    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: 11011921
    Abstract: A magnetic mount for an electronic device with an inductive charging receiver and one or more engagement points. The mount has a static inductive charging head with an inductive coil delivering a charging current to the electronic device with the inductive charging receiver being in axial alignment with the inductive coil. A back plate with a circular frame is in rotating engagement with the static inductive charging head. The back plate also include one or more magnet support arms on which permanent magnets are mounted to magnetically couple with the one or more engagement points on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Scosche Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kasidy Alves
  • Patent number: 11000207
    Abstract: A system for tracking the position of one or more medical devices for insertion into the body of a patient is disclosed. The system may also be used to locate one or medical devices at a later time after placement thereof. The present system employs multiple radiating elements that can be simultaneously detected by a sensor unit of the system, wherein at least one of the radiating elements is included with the medical device. Another of the radiating elements may be placed at a predetermined point on the skin of the patient to serve as a landmark to help determine the location of the medical device with respect to the landmark. Detection of the radiating elements by the sensor unit enables the relative positions of the radiating elements to be ascertained and depicted on a display, to assist a clinician in accurately positioning the medical device, such as a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie K. Burnside, Shayne Messerly
  • Patent number: 10993661
    Abstract: Wearable devices are described herein including a housing and a mount configured to mount a contact surface of the housing to an external surface of a wearer. The wearable devices further include a coil disposed in the housing proximate to the contact surface and at least one sensor disposed on the contact surface and configured to detect one or more properties of the body of the wearer. The wearable devices are powered by a rechargeable battery disposed within the wearable devices. The wearable devices additionally include a recharger disposed within the wearable devices and configured to recharge the rechargeable battery using electromagnetic energy received by the coil. The sensor is disposed within a central portion of the contact surface enclosed by the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Russell Norman Mirov, John Lapetina
  • Patent number: 10967192
    Abstract: A wearable article for receiving and retaining a charger for charging a medical device implanted into a patient includes a coil-assembly cavity and first and second controller cavities defined between first and second major surfaces of a body of the wearable article. The coil-assembly cavity is configured to retain a coil assembly of the charger, and the first and second controller cavities are each configured to receive at least a portion of a controller of the charger. A controller slit is defined along the first major surface and is open to both the first and second controller cavities. The first controller cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the controller with a user interface of the controller extending or observable through the controller slit or disposed in the second controller cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Mun Pook Lui, Erin Suzanne Roper, Joey Chen, Gaurav Gupta, Daniel Aghassian
  • Patent number: 10960219
    Abstract: A charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a charging coil and one or more sense coils. The charging coil and one or more sense coils are preferably housed in a charging coil assembly coupled to an electronics module by a cable. The charging coil is preferably a wire winding, while the one or more sense coils are concentric with the charging coil and preferably formed in one or more traces of a circuit board. One or more voltages induced on the one or more sense coils can be used to determine whether the charging coil is (i) centered, (ii) not centered but not misaligned, or (iii) misaligned, with respect to the IMD being charged, which three conditions sequentially comprise lower coupling between the charging coil and the IMD. A charging algorithm is also disclosed that control charging dependent on these conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aghassian, Thomas W. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 10918376
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a control unit for cooperating with an adhesive patch to convey power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject. The control unit may include a housing configured for selective mounting on the adhesive patch and may further include at least one processor within the housing. The at least one processor may be configured to activate when the housing is mounted on the adhesive patch and to delay, for a predetermined amount of time following activation of the at least one processor, generation of therapeutic control signals for modulating at least one nerve in the subject's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 10898628
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to measuring and calculating parameters to control and monitor a power transfer in an implanted medical device. The medical device may be implanted in a subject and typically includes an artificial heart or ventricle assist device. The system measures parameters and uses the parameters to calculate a coupling coefficient for coils that transfer power between an external primary and an implanted secondary. The system uses the calculated coupling coefficient to estimate heat flux being generated in the system. Based on the level heat flux detected, the system may issue alerts to warn the subject or control actions to mitigate the effects of the heat flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Minnetronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Vlad Bluvshtein, Lori Lucke
  • Patent number: 10888706
    Abstract: An external charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a thermal diffuser proximate to the primary charging coil for distributing heat from the primary charging coil. In an example, the primary charging coil is mounted to a first side of a circuit board, and the thermal diffuser is also connected to the first side and in contact with the primary charging coil. In one example, the thermal diffuser is a plastic material, such as an acrylic pad, with a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical conductivity. The thermal diffuser may also contact temperature sensors mounted to the first side of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Stinauer, Joey Chen
  • Patent number: 10874479
    Abstract: A medical device for supplying feedback information when implanted in the body of a patient is provided. The medical device is arranged to monitor or control a physiological function or defect in the body of the patient, the medical device comprises: a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter arranged to transmit feedback information from the implanted medical device, wherein the RFID transmitter is arranged to receive interrogating signals from an external device and in response thereto transmit feedback information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 10814807
    Abstract: A wireless charger for a mobile terminal in a vehicle includes a power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power to a first mobile terminal and a processor configured to acquire model information of the first mobile terminal and to adjust parameters of the power based on the model information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Younghak Lee