Energy Source Outside Generator Body Patents (Class 607/61)
  • Patent number: 10079508
    Abstract: A wireless power receiver may include a receive coil configured to generate an AC power signal, at least one secondary sensing coil configured to generate a measurement signal responsive to a magnetic flux field, and control logic configured to detect at least one condition of a wireless power transfer system responsive to detecting distortion in the magnetic flux field from the at least one measurement signal received from the secondary sensing coil. A related method may include receiving with a wireless power receiver a wireless power signal for wireless power transfer from a wireless power transmitter, generating with a plurality of secondary sensing coils one or more measurement signals responsive to a magnetic flux field generated during the wireless power transfer, and detecting at least one condition of a wireless power transfer system responsive to the one or more measurement signals generated by the plurality of secondary sensing coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gustavo J. Mehas, Vladimir N. Vitchev
  • Patent number: 10075029
    Abstract: The position misalignment detection device includes: a comparator configured to compare an electric current induced by a receiving coil in a receiver (RX) to which an electric power is transmitted from a transmitter (TX) with a non-contact power supply transmitter method; a frequency counter connected to the comparator, the frequency counter configured to count transmit frequency fi transmitted from the transmitter; and a register configured to store a counted value Fi counted by the frequency counter. There is provided the position misalignment detection device which can detect a position misalignment of the receiver on the transmitter during electric charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideharu Hayashida, Tatsuya Iwasaki, Takeshi Nozawa, Kazuyoshi Yasuoka
  • Patent number: 10058696
    Abstract: An implantable control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a connector to couple to a lead or lead extension; an electronics housing coupled to the connector and having a first major surface, a second major surface, and at least one side surface; and an electronic subassembly disposed within the electronics housing. The electronics housing includes a first portion formed of a first conductive material and a second portion formed of a second conductive material. The second portion forms at least part of the first major surface and extends to form an adjacent region of the side surface or the second major surface. In some embodiments, the first conductive material has a resistivity that is no more than 50% of a resistivity of the second conductive material. In some embodiments, the first conductive material is titanium and the second conductive material is a titanium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 10027157
    Abstract: A method for wirelessly charging a battery in an implantable medical device including the steps of: providing a receiver in the implantable medical device and providing a temperature sensor in the implantable medical device. The method also includes receiving, via the receiver, a wireless power signal from an external charger and converting the wireless power signal into a battery charge signal including power for recharging the battery. The method yet also includes sensing a temperature of the implantable medical device with the temperature sensor. The method further includes changing a current of the battery charge signal from a first non-zero current to a second non-zero current that is different from the first non-zero current. Changing of the current of the battery charge signal is based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Labbe, Les Halberg, Benjamin Cottrill
  • Patent number: 10010717
    Abstract: Electrical energy is transcutaneously transmitted at a plurality of different frequencies to an implanted medical device. The magnitude of the transmitted electrical energy respectively measured at the plurality of frequencies. One of the frequencies is selected based on the measured magnitude of the electrical energy (e.g., the frequency at which the measured magnitude of the electrical energy is the greatest). A depth level at which the medical device is implanted within the patient is determined based on the selected frequency. For example, the depth level may be determined to be relatively shallow if the selected frequency is relatively high, and relatively deep if the selected frequency is relative low. A charge strength threshold at which a charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal can then be set based on the determined depth level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aghassian, Lev Freidin, Joey Chen
  • Patent number: 9979234
    Abstract: A resonant contactless electric energy transmitter configured to contactlessly supply electric energy to an electric energy receiver, can include: (i) a high frequency power supply configured to generate a high frequency AC power with a frequency that is the same as a leakage inductance resonant frequency, where the leakage inductance resonant frequency is obtained by detection of an output current of the high frequency power supply that corresponds to the high frequency AC power of a sequence of different frequencies during a frequency sweeping time period; and (ii) a transmitting resonant circuit comprising a transmitting coil, and being configured to receive the high frequency AC power from the high frequency power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTD
    Inventors: Feng Yu, Wang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9958187
    Abstract: An active cooler having an insulated five sided box having an inner chamber, the box has an openable lid hingedly attached to the upper edge of the box, a temperature sensor in the inner chamber for detecting temperature readings of the inner chamber when the lid is closed, a peltier cooling element operably engaged to the inner chamber to remove heat, a voltage regulator operably connected to the sensor to change the cooling element in response to temperature readings from the sensor, and a wireless transmitter connected to the temperature sensor for transmission of temperature readings and detection of pre-determined temperatures. The cooler may also have a program that is operated by an onboard computer to generate temperature and time related data, transmit the data via cell phone, internet, or local area and interact with hand held devices via specialized application software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jerry Monroy
  • Patent number: 9950179
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for delivering trial stimulation therapy to a patient are disclosed. A trial neurostimulator (e.g., an IMD) may be implanted within a patient to deliver stimulation therapy during a relatively short trial period of time. This IMD may include limited circuitry and be powered by an external power source to minimize the size of the IMD within the patient. The IMD may include a non-hermetic housing capable of protecting the IMD circuitry for the trial period of time. In one example, the IMD may include a secondary coil configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated by an external primary coil, circuitry configured to generate a stimulation signal in response to the electrical signal, and a non-hermetic implantable housing configured to encase or otherwise house the secondary coil and the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 9935498
    Abstract: A device includes a primary antenna configured to communicate a signal to an antenna of an implantable medical device (IMD). A circulator is coupled to the primary antenna. The circulator enables the signal to pass from a transmitter to the primary antenna. The circulator also enables a backscatter signal from the IMD to pass from the primary antenna to a receiver. A processor coupled to the receiver. The processor configured to determine, based on the backscatter signal, an improved impedance value for a component of the IMD and/or an improved frequency for the signal communicated to the IMD, to improve communication efficiency of the signal to the IMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Himanshu Joshi
  • Patent number: 9884188
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a receiver coil assembly for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The receiver coil assembly includes at least two spatially separated coil units comprised by a housing of an internal component. The spatial separation is along a thickness of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: OTICON MEDICAL A/S
    Inventors: Guillaume Tourrel, Nicolas Veau
  • Patent number: 9849298
    Abstract: The disclosed system for providing closed loop charging between an external charger and an implantable medical device such as an IPG involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IPG. During charging, the charging coil in the IPG is periodically pulsed to modulate its impedance. The magnitude of the change in the coil voltage produced at the external charger ?V as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the controller circuitry in the external charger as indicative of the coupling between the external charger and the IPG. The external charger adjusts its output power (e.g., Icharge) in accordance with the magnitude of ?V, thus achieving closed loop charging without the need of telemetering coupling parameters from the IPG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Ozawa, Daniel Aghassian
  • Patent number: 9820061
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for supporting different load conditions in a data/power link. In one example, a device includes a transformer that has a first tap with a first turns ratio and a second tap with a second turns ratio. The device further includes electronics and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to selectively couple the electronics to the first tap of the transformer for a first application and to couple the electronics to the second tap of the transformer for a second application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fort, Werner Meskens
  • Patent number: 9789322
    Abstract: An external controller is disclosed for communicating with an external trial stimulator (ETS) for an implantable medical device. The external controller is programmed with a battery algorithm able to assist a clinician in choosing a suitable implant for the patient based on battery performance parameters estimated for a number of implants during an external trial stimulation phase that precedes implantation of the implant. The algorithm is particularly useful in assisting the clinician in choosing between a rechargeable-battery implant or a primary-battery implant for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis A. Vansickle, Robert D. Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9789325
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for wireless recharging of an implanted device. In response to receiving identification information from an implanted device, a charger can set an electrical field to a first field strength and receive first field strength information from the implanted device. The charger can then set the electrical field to a second field strength and receive second field strength information from the implanted device. This information relating to the first and second field strengths can be used to determine whether to recharge the implanted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Brian M. Shelton, Brian R. Dearden, James H. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9786432
    Abstract: An external transmitter inductive coil can be provided in, on, or with a belt designed to be placed externally around a part of a body of a patient. An implantable device (such as a VAD or other medical device) that is implanted within the patient's body has associated with a receiver inductive coil that gets implanted within that part of the patient's body along with the device. The externally-located transmitter inductive coil inductively transfers electromagnetic power into that part of the body and thus to the receiver inductive coil. The implanted receiver inductive coil thus wirelessly receives the inductively-transferred electromagnetic power, and operates the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Leviticus Cardio Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Zilbershlag
  • Patent number: 9780596
    Abstract: A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying (“FSK”) module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Brian R. Dearden, James H. Wolfe, Manish Khemani
  • Patent number: 9764146
    Abstract: Apparatus, comprising (1) a first controller comprising at least one first-controller antenna configured to transmit a first wireless power signal having a first signal power; and a first-controller control unit configured to use battery power to drive the first-controller antenna; (2) a second controller, comprising at least one second-controller antenna, configured to transmit a second wireless power signal having a second signal power; and a second-controller control unit, configured to use mains electricity power to drive the second-controller antenna; and (3) an implant, comprising one or more electrodes; at least one implant antenna configured to receive 1-10 percent of the first signal power, and to receive 0.01-1 percent of the second signal power; and circuitry configured to drive the one or more electrodes responsively to the received 1-10 percent of the first signal power, or the received 0.01-1 percent of the second signal power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: BLUEWIND MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Guri Oron, Yossi Gross, Eran Benjamin, Anton Plotkin
  • Patent number: 9762083
    Abstract: A wireless power transmitter is electromagnetically coupleable to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiver to provide power wirelessly and includes a substantially planar transmitting core. A transmitting coil has a plurality of windings and is disposed on a surface of the transmitting core. The transmitting core may extend beyond the transmitting coil in a planar direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac Nam, Chul Gyun Park, Chang Mok Han, Jae Suk Sung, Hyun Keun Lim, Ki Won Chang
  • Patent number: 9737710
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to detect configuration commands from waveforms received at a retina prosthesis device for calibrating the device are described. The device can comprise an array of pixel units to receive light to stimulate neuron cells to cause an effect of visual sensation from the light. The pixel units may have configurable parameters for the stimulation to the neuron cells. The configurable parameters may be updated according to the configuration commands detected without requiring micro processor and non-volatile memory in the device. The stimulation may be generated according to the updated configurable parameters to improve the effect of visual sensation from the light including compensation for the physiological and environmental variations and drifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Long-Sheng Fan
  • Patent number: 9736601
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for adjustable bone conduction hearing aids where a patient or health care provided can select different positions of a magnetic spacer on a patient's skull after a magnetic implant has been implanted beneath the patient's skin and affixed to the patient's skull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Sophono, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kasic, Nicholas F. Pergola, Markus C. Haller
  • Patent number: 9700730
    Abstract: Improved external chargers for charging an implantable medical device, and particularly useful in charging a plurality of such devices, are disclosed. Each of the various embodiments include a plurality of field customization coils for customizing the magnetic charging field generated by the external charger such that the magnetic charging field is not radially symmetric. For example, one embodiment includes a primary coil with a plurality of field customization coils distributed radially with respect to the coil. The generated magnetic charging field can be rendered radially asymmetric by selectively activating or disabling the field customization coils in response to data quantifying the coupling between the various implants and the field customization coils in the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore, Todd Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 9623257
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for tuning a frequency at which an external device transcutaneously transfers energy. The transferred energy may be used to charge a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) and/or to power the IMD directly. One embodiment relates to a charging system that may comprise a circuit to drive a primary coil of an external device at a drive frequency and a control circuit to tune the drive frequency based on a characteristic of a monitored signal that is associated with the primary coil. The characteristic is not present when the primary coil is being driven at a resonant frequency of the system. In a specific example, the characteristic comprises a stub pulse and the control circuit is configured to tune the drive frequency based on at least one of a relative timing and a width of the stub pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, Nicholas A. Delisi, Jay T. Eisch, Philip R. LaBrosse, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 9621996
    Abstract: A micromechanical sound transducer system and a corresponding manufacturing method, in which the micromechanical sound transducer system includes a substrate having a front side and a back side, the substrate having a through opening extending between the back side and the front side, and a coil configuration on the front side having a coil axis, which runs essentially parallel to the front side, the coil configuration covering the through opening at least partially. Also provided is a magnet device, which is situated so as to allow for an axial magnetic flux to be generated through the coil configuration. The coil configuration has a winding device which has at least first winding sections made from at least one layer of a low-dimensional conductive material, the coil configuration being configured to inductively detect and/or generate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Schelling, Michael Stumber, Benedikt Stein, Theresa Lutz, Rolf Scheben
  • Patent number: 9587941
    Abstract: A sensor unit (2) comprising a pressure sensor (9) is worn by a person. A fall of the person causes a height change as well an orientation change of the pressure sensor. To enlarge the detectability of the fall the air pressure is positioned such that in a pre-fall condition the contribution of an error to the sensor's measurement is maximal. This error is caused by gravity acting on the membrane of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Warner Rudolph Theophile Ten Kate
  • Patent number: 9577436
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer. Described are methods and designs for implantable electronics and devices. Wireless energy transfer is utilized to eliminate cords and power cables puncturing the skin to power an implantable device. Repeater resonators are employed to improve the power transfer characteristics between the source and the device resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Morris P. Kesler, Katherine L. Hall, Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Marin Soljacic, Andrew J. Campanella, David A. Schatz
  • Patent number: 9550062
    Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Saif Khalil, Raghavendra Angara, Miles Curtis, Christopher Biele, Daniel Fellmeth
  • Patent number: 9515494
    Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Andrew J. Campanella, Morris P. Kesler
  • Patent number: 9492665
    Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Saif Khalil, Raghavendra Angara, Miles Curtis, Christopher Biele, Daniel Fellmeth
  • Patent number: 9492675
    Abstract: Method of recharging a power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery for an implantable medical device. Energy is received within the implantable medical device from an external energy source which energy is used to recharge the power source. At least one recharge parameter associated with recharging of the power source is monitored. Recharging is regulated by increasing a charging rate of the power source in response, at least in part, on the recharge parameter being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, James E. Riekels
  • Patent number: 9492656
    Abstract: A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a stimulation module powered by the charge storage element. The stimulation module may be operative to generate an electrical stimulation signal to stimulate a target nerve of a patient. The implantable medical device may further include a nerve wrap configured to house the voltage rectifier, the charge storage element, and the stimulation module. The nerve wrap may include one or more electrodes operative to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Y. Chow, Milton M. Morris, David L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9492657
    Abstract: A system comprises an implantable medical device and an actively deployable clip attached to the implantable medical device that restricts movement of the implantable medical device once the clip is deployed within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device is a lead and a clip that includes electrically conductive portion is an electrode of the lead. The implantable medical device may be implanted proximate to any suitable tissue site within the patient, and in one embodiment, the implantable medical device is implanted proximate to an occipital nerve or a trigeminal nerve of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin T. Gerber
  • Patent number: 9480846
    Abstract: Provided is a portable controller and associated method that provides a patient or caregiver the ability to recharge and alter the parameters of an implanted medical device, while allowing the patient substantially unobstructed mobility. To enable mobility, the controller may be worn on a belt or clothing. The controller also allows the patient to turn device stimulation on and off, check battery status, and to vary stimulation parameters within ranges that may be predefined and programmed by a clinician. The controller communicates with the medical device to retrieve information and make parameter adjustments using wireless telemetry, and it can send and receive information from several feet away from the implanted medical device. Charging of a battery contained in the implanted medical device is achieved via an inductive radio frequency link using a charge coil placed in close proximity to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, James E. Barber, Joseph J. Mrva, Christopher A. Thierfelder, Maria E. Bennett, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Danny R. Pack, Stuart F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 9473207
    Abstract: An electronic device may include an auxiliary circuit providing an operative function, a data signal circuit, and an extremely high frequency (EHF) wireless transmitter. The auxiliary circuit may produce a first low frequency data signal. The data signal circuit may be coupled to the auxiliary circuit for encoding a first composite data signal including the first low frequency data signal and the first base high frequency data signal. The EHF wireless transmitter may transmit the first encoded composite data signal to an external device over a wireless EHF communication link. The transmitted encoded composite data signal may have a predefined rate of carrier modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9452296
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying energy to an electrically operable, medical device (100) implanted in ? a patient. Wireless energy is transferred from an external energy source (104) located outside the patient to an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient and connected to the medical device. An internal control unit (108) determines an amount of energy currently required for the operation of said medical device. A control signal is transmitted to the external energy source, reflecting the required amount of energy. An external control unit (106) controls the amount of transferred energy in response to the control signal, by adjusting the energy transfer efficiency from the external energy source to the internal energy receiver. The energy transfer efficiency is adjusted by adjusting the position of a primary coil, serving as the external energy source, relative to an implanted secondary coil, serving as the internal energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9446242
    Abstract: A multi-channel neurostimulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, stimulation output circuitry including electrical source circuitry of the same polarity configured for generating a plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms in a plurality of timing channels, and control circuitry configured for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to serially couple the electrical source circuitry to different sets of the electrodes when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms do not temporally overlap each other, and for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to couple the electrical source circuitry to a union of the different electrode sets when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms temporally overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Paul James Griffith
  • Patent number: 9435830
    Abstract: A method includes applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device that is implanted within tissue of a patient. The method also includes measuring a current at the primary coil. The method further includes estimating a depth of the implantable medical device within the tissue of the patient based on the measured current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Himanshu Joshi
  • Patent number: 9403009
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: NYXOAH SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9402994
    Abstract: A particular implantable device may include one or more antennas configured to receive a first far field radiative signal and a second far field radiative signal. The one or more antennas may be configured to receive the first far field radiative signal in a first frequency band and to receive the second far field radiative signal in a second frequency band. The implantable device may include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the received first far field radiative signal and the received second far field radiative signal to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit may be operative to deliver a therapy to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Y. Chow, Jonathan D. Rowell
  • Patent number: 9399131
    Abstract: Electrical energy is transcutaneously transmitted from an external charger to an implanted medical device. The external charger includes a charging head that is selectively shaped to conform to the surface of a patient to enhance charge efficiency and patient comfort. The charging head has a plurality of malleable support members extending through the charging head for affixing the flexible charging head in the selected shape, while the flexible charging head conforms to the surface of the patient. The charging head may also include one or more sensors for determining the shape of a charging coil in the charging head, which cause the charge of the coil to be adjusted based on the coil shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew DiGiore, Brett Schleicher, Greg Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9393428
    Abstract: An implantable antenna assembly includes a multilayer flexible printed circuit board comprising a first flexible substrate, second flexible substrate, and third flexible substrate. An inductor coil is formed by electrically conductive traces disposed on the first flexible substrate. A shield is formed by electrically conductive traces disposed on the second flexible substrate and third flexible substrate, the shield surrounding the inductor coil. A method for forming an implantable antenna assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED BIONICS AG
    Inventors: David Andre Nyberg, II, Andreas B. Brehm, Thomas Mehl
  • Patent number: 9375567
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a charging system for charging an implanted medical system. The charging device includes a replenishable power supply. The charging device includes a coil assembly electrically coupled to the power supply. The coil assembly includes a primary coil and a plurality of sense coils positioned proximate to the primary coil. The charging device includes electrical circuitry operable to: measure an electrical parameter of the coil assembly; and determine a position of the coil assembly relative to a position of the implanted medical device based on the measured electrical parameter. The charging device includes a visual communications interface operable to: receive an input from the electrical circuitry; and visually display on a screen the position of the coil assembly relative to the position of the implanted medical device based on the input received from the electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventor: Roger B. Fell
  • Patent number: 9343224
    Abstract: An external transmitter inductive coil can be provided in, on, or with a belt designed to be placed externally around a part of a body of a patient. An implantable device (such as a VAD or other medical device) that is implanted within the patient's body has associated with a receiver inductive coil that gets implanted within that part of the patient's body along with the device. The externally-located transmitter inductive coil inductively transfers electromagnetic power into that part of the body and thus to the receiver inductive coil. The implanted receiver inductive coil thus wirelessly receives the inductively-transferred electromagnetic power, and operates the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Leviticus Cardio Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Zilbershlag
  • Patent number: 9320897
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation device is described which includes a flexible carrier member for implantation adjacent to target neural tissue. Carrier wires are embedded within the carrier member for conducting electrical signals. At least one active interface device also is within the carrier member and includes a hermetically sealed device housing without penetration by any electrical conductor, an active interface element within the device housing, an inductive link arrangement providing an electrical connection between the active interface element and a terminal end of one of the carrier wires, and an outer interface surface adjacent to the target neural tissue that provides a communication link between the adjacent target neural tissue and the active interface element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Vogt
  • Patent number: 9302093
    Abstract: A device for regulating energy delivery to an implanted circuit is disclosed. The device may include at least one implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes in electrical communication with the circuit. The at least one pair of implantable electrodes may be configured to modulate at least one nerve. The at least one implantable circuit may be configured deliver a signal to the at least one pair of implantable electrodes. The signal may have at least one of a power level or a duration determined based on a severity of a detected physiologic condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: NYXOAH SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9300161
    Abstract: A coil arrangement is described for an implantable medical system. A coil winding has a planar ring shape winding that encloses a coil interior area. The coil winding is adapted for placement parallel to a corresponding partner coil for communication of an implant link signal having an associated magnetic field component characterized by a coupling factor k representing fractional amount of magnetic field coupling between the coils. A coil coupling lens of magnetic conductive material has multiple lens surfaces and is adapted to shape the magnetic field component to increase the coupling factor and minimize self-heating of adjacent tissues due to the magnetic field component. The lens surfaces include: i. an inner lens surface lying substantially parallel to the plane of the ring shape winding and having an inner lens surface perimeter enclosed within the coil interior area, ii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Wissenwasser, Andreas Mitterer
  • Patent number: 9270134
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for selecting a period for charging an implantable rechargeable power source are disclosed. Implantable medical devices may include a rechargeable power source that can be transcutaneously charged. A system may control a charging module to begin charging the rechargeable power source of the implantable medical device with a high power level. The system may then determine an estimated heat loss based on power initially delivered to the rechargeable power source when beginning the charging. Based on this estimated heat loss during the initial period of recharging, the system may select a boost period that includes a duration of time that the rechargeable power source is charged with the high power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Venkat R. Gaddam, Reid K. Bornhoft, Kevin J. Kelly, David P. Olson, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 9259592
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus (100) comprising a charging module (20) for receiving external energy (RF1) and for transferring it to a rechargeable energy storage (10) in a “charging state”. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a processing module which can be operated in a working state that is enabled if the charging module (20) is in the charging state and the apparatus is in a standard operating mode. The processing module may for example be a communication module (30) that can communicate wirelessly in its working state. In the standard operating mode, communication with the apparatus (100) is thus only possible if the apparatus (100) is simultaneously charged. The communication module (30) can therefore be completely switched off during the residual time, thus reducing power consumption and avoiding erroneous communication or misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Josephus Leijssen, Hubert Cecile Francois Martens, Michael Marcel Jose Decre, Jeroen Jacob Arnold Tol
  • Patent number: 9254381
    Abstract: A method for changing clusterization pattern of water molecules in the human body in order to speed up the healing process. A mobile device has an application, which generates different audio streams based on a type of illness needed to be cured. A user selects the illness type on the mobile device screen and a special connector placed into an audio output port of the module device provides the electric carrier wave signal to a surface of a human body. A mobile device needs to be plugged into a power source in order to have enough power to generate the signal of required intensity. The electric signal penetrates into the human body upon contact with the connector and gradually changes the pattern of clusterization of the water molecules of a person to a normal (healthy) pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Scientific Production Association Information Cell Biophysics
    Inventor: Vladislav Pustovit
  • Patent number: 9248291
    Abstract: An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossal nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9242109
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods configured to perform power regulation for an implantable device are presented. In an aspect, an implantable device can include a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the implantable device and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include a high load power regulator configured to provide a first current level to components of the implantable device and a low load power regulator configured to provide a second current level to components of the implantable device, wherein the second current level is lower that the first current level. The circuit can also include a regulator switch configured to enable or disable current draw from the high load power regulator and the low load power regulator as a function of power state and associated power requirement of the components of the implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Gordon, Shohan Hossain, Weizheng Liang, James D. Reinke, William D Wildes