Signal Generated By Induction Coil Circuit Patents (Class 607/65)
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Patent number: 11090490Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses separate varying electromagnetic fields, with a variety of temporal and amplitude characteristics, which are applied to a particular neural structure to modulate glial and neuronal interactions as a mechanism for relieving chronic pain. In another embodiment, a single composite modulation/stimulation signal which has rhythmically varying characteristics is used to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic fields. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for modulating the expression of genes involved in diverse pathways including inflammatory/immune system mediators, ion channels and neurotransmitters, in both the Spinal Cord (SC) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) where such expression modulation is caused by spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation using the disclosed apparatus and techniques.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Medtronic SG, LLCInventors: Ricardo Vallejo, David Leonardo Cedeno, Ramsin M. Benyamin
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Patent number: 10637390Abstract: Motor driver systems and methods with relatively low electromagnetic interference characteristics are provided. The system includes a motor or other capacitive load with single or multiple phases. Each phase of the motor is connected to a motor phase controller. Each motor phase controller includes a first voltage control loop, a second voltage control loop, and a current control loop. The first and second voltage control loops are nested within the current control loop. The voltage control loops can be configured to control a resonance peak in a frequency response of the motor, while the current control loop can be configured to control a notch in a frequency response of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Timothy K. Quakenbush, Cameron L. Mock
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Patent number: 10256675Abstract: A power-supplying device and a wireless power supply system of the present disclosure include an inverter circuit configured to convert direct current power into alternating current (AC) power, a resonance circuit configured to wirelessly transmit power toward a power-receiving device based on the AC power, and a control unit configured to control the inverter circuit at a switching frequency based on state information of predetermined elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventor: Takahiko Murayama
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Publication number: 20150148713Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing between tissues being stimulated is provided. The apparatus includes an electric source capable of generating an applied electric field across a region of tissue and/or a means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue relative to the applied electric field and an interface component, such interface component creating an interface between the region of tissue and the applied electric field or the means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Timothy Andrew Wagner, Uri Tzvi Eden
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Patent number: 9031665Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventor: Daniel Aghassian
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Patent number: 8972004Abstract: Devices and systems are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of medical conditions through delivery of energy to target tissue, comprising a source of electrical power, a magnetically permeable toroidal core, and a coil that is wound around the core. The coil and core are embedded in a continuous electrically conducting medium, which is adapted to have a shape that conforms to the contour of an arbitrarily oriented target body surface of a patient. The conducting medium is applied to that surface by any of several disclosed methods, and the source of power supplies a pulse of electric charge to the coil, such that the coil induces an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating tissue and/or one or more nerve fibers within the patient. The invention shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve. In one embodiment, the device comprises two toroidal cores that lie adjacent to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Electrocore, LLCInventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
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Patent number: 8957777Abstract: A method for establishing a connection between a first electronic computing device and a second electronic computing device includes moving the second electronic computing device so that it is proximal to the first electronic computing device. When the first electronic computing device detects the proximity of the first electronic computing device relative to the second electronic computing device, a radio on the first electronic device is set to a connectable and discoverable state. A wireless connection is automatically established between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device. Data is transmitted between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Braxton L. Lathrop
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Patent number: 8849632Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Intelect Medical, Inc.Inventors: Troy Sparks, Jordan Barnhorst, David Arthur Blum, Keith Carlton, Scott Kokones, Engin Erdo{hacek over (g)}an, Brian James Hoffer, Arna Diana Ionescu, David Ari Lubensky
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Publication number: 20140207018Abstract: An electrotherapeutic treatment system includes a portion of at least one skin or external contact element including an element for measurement of the bioreactance of biologically active neurological points (BANP) of a tissue or organ to be treated, monitoring of electromagnetic parameters received at the points and generating responsive corrective parameters; and a portion of a second electrode for neurologically transmitting bioreactive parameters proximally to a BANP of tissues or organs to be treated, the parameters modifying discrete reactive values responsive to those measured by each of the first or second electrodes responsive to abnormal parameters received from tissues or organs to be treated at or between the BANP.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventor: Ronald J. Weinstock
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Patent number: 8721559Abstract: A system comprising a housing containing a signal generator coupled to an antenna and a dielectric material disposed about the antenna. The device is adapted to generate and direct a plurality of signals towards the heart of the person and measure a magnitude of a signal returned from the heart. The device further comprises a processor to compare differences between a magnitude of a signal propagated and the magnitude of the signal returned off the heart and determine a signal frequency having a maximum return loss value based on those differences. The processor also estimates a change in the amplitude of motion of a portion of a wall of the heart based on the differences between the magnitude of the signal propagated by the device and the magnitude of the signal returned off of the portion of the heart.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Peterson, Tomasz J. Petelenz, Stephen C. Jacobsen
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Patent number: 8682448Abstract: A system for pattern recognition of cell and tissue malfunction and for treatment of such malfunction is presented. When a malfunction is recognized by a search signal or field, it is expressed as a waveform and an audio transform thereof. A malfunction pattern generally appears as a weak or static signal and, in audio terms, as a screeching sound. A complex EM wave and energy pattern is then re-iteratively applied to the location of the malfunction pattern until the pattern is normalized. A normalized pattern appears as a stronger more uniform waveform and a lower pitched audio of uniform amplitude. The mechanism of action of the process entails the correction of voltaic gradient errors across ionic channels of cells of tissues that are afflicted. Different conditions implicate different channels and cells. The system corrects undesirable voltage gradients across the cell membranes to restore normal flow of one or more categories of anions in or out of channels of cell membranes.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: EMC2 Holdings LLCInventor: Ronald J. Weinstock
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Patent number: 8634909Abstract: A magnetic arrangement is described for an implantable system for a recipient patient. A planar coil housing contains a signal coil for transcutaneous communication of an implant communication signal. A first attachment magnet is located within the plane of the coil housing and rotatable therein, and has a magnetic dipole parallel to the plane of the coil housing for transcutaneous magnetic interaction with a corresponding second attachment magnet.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Martin Zimmerling, Bernhard Jamnig
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Patent number: 8630717Abstract: A transcutaneous energy transfer system, transcutaneous charging system, external power source, external charger and methods of transcutaneous energy transfer and charging for an implantable medical device and an external power source/charger. The implantable medical device has a secondary coil adapted to be inductively energized by an external primary coil at a carrier frequency. The external power source/charger has a primary coil and circuitry capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil by driving the primary coil at a carrier frequency adjusted to the resonant frequency to match a resonant frequency of the tuned inductive charging circuit, to minimize the impedance of the tuned inductive charging circuit or to increase the efficiency of energy transfer.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David P. Olson, Andrew L. Schmeling, Steven J. Nelson
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Patent number: 8612017Abstract: An implantable device (10) is used to emit electrical stimulation signals to surrounding tissue by means of at least one stimulation electrode (17). The device (10) has a sensor unit (26), which generates a useful signal (D) in the form of analogue voltage pulses (73) from externally fed signals, and an output stage (28) which generates the stimulation signals (E) from the useful signal (D). The output stage (28) emits the stimulation signals (E) in, averaged over time, a substantially DC voltage free fashion to an external ground (29), which can be connected to the tissue (64).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Retina Implant AGInventor: Albrecht Rothermel
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Publication number: 20130304159Abstract: Devices and systems are disclosed for the non-invasive treatment of medical conditions through delivery of energy to target tissue, comprising a source of electrical power, a magnetically permeable toroidal core, and a coil that is wound around the core. The coil and core are embedded in a continuous electrically conducting medium, which is adapted to have a shape that conforms to the contour of an arbitrarily oriented target body surface of a patient. The conducting medium is applied to that surface by any of several disclosed methods, and the source of power supplies a pulse of electric charge to the coil, such that the coil induces an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating tissue and/or one or more nerve fibers within the patient. The invention shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve. In one embodiment, the device comprises two toroidal cores that lie adjacent to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
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Patent number: 8543218Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Sytems, Inc.Inventor: John H. Erickson
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Patent number: 8463392Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventor: Daniel Aghassian
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Publication number: 20130116753Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventor: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 8390416Abstract: Components having a screw thread useful for mechanical fixation of the component to a corresponding component may be equipped with electrical wire following at least part of the turns of the screw thread and thereby forming at least a part of a coil. The corresponding component may have a matching screw thread, or the component of the invention may be self-tapping, in which case a matching screw thread in the corresponding component would be superfluous. The coil may be used as charging and/or power-conversion coil and/or communication antenna. The reuse of the screw thread for a coil maximizes the coil area without consuming extra space of the component. This is in particular useful in medical electrical implant devices, such as a pace maker or a neuron pace maker in deep brain stimulation, in that the maximum size of such a pace maker is very limited.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jacobus Josephus Leijssen, Jeroen Jacob Arnold Tol
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Publication number: 20120330383Abstract: An extensible medical lead comprises at least one proximal contact, at least one distal electrode, and having at least one conductive filer electrically coupled between the proximal contacts and the distal stimulation electrode. The lead further comprises an outer jacket made of a longitudinally compressible material. The conductive filer may also be coiled to provide extensibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Carl D. Wahlstrand
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Patent number: 8321027Abstract: The transcutaneous power supply and/or recharger device of the present invention enables a precise centering of the device with a receiver coil in an implant. In one embodiment, the power supply device includes a plurality of satellite sensors or coils disposed around the transmitter coil. A voltage value detected in the receiver coil is transmitted to the power supply or recharger device via a telemetric channel and indicates the amount of power being transferred, and, therefore, the accuracy of the reciprocal positioning of the power supply terminal with the receiver coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Medico S.p.A.Inventors: Aldo Mozzi, Eugenio Snichelotto
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Patent number: 8311642Abstract: An adjustable implant electrode system comprises an adjustable implant electrode assembly and an adjustment device for adjusting the adjustable implant electrode assembly to a desired position. The adjustable implant electrode assembly comprises an implant, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of magnetic components. The electrodes are disposed in the implant for providing stimulating currents according to a control signal. The magnetic components are combined with the electrodes in one-to-one correspondence. The adjustment device comprises a control unit, an excitation unit, and one or more magnetic units. The control unit is used to select one or more magnetic components to be moved from the magnetic components, and the excitation unit is used to excite the selected one or more magnetic components for the same to generate a magnetic pole, and the magnetic unit is adapted to generate a magnetic field to drive the magnetic pole and accordingly move the implant.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Charles Tak-Ming Choi, Chien-Hua Hsu
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Patent number: 8280524Abstract: An external processor device is described for an implantable prosthetic system. An external processor housing has a generally planar skin contacting surface and a central axis perpendicular to the skin contacting surface. A signal processor is located within the processor housing for developing an implant data signal. The processor housing also contains a transmitter coil for coupling the implant data signal across the skin to the implantable prosthetic system. A battery compartment is also located within the processor housing in an annular region around the central axis for containing a battery arrangement to provide electrical power to the signal processor and the transmitter coil.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventors: Alexander Duftner, Erwin S. Hochmair
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Publication number: 20120245649Abstract: A system and method for contactless power transfer in implantable devices for charging rechargeable batteries disposed within the implantable devices are provided. The system includes a first coil electrically couplable to a power source, wherein the first coil is configured to produce a magnetic field. The system further includes a second coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery disposed within the implantable device and configured to receive power from the first coil via the magnetic field and to transfer the power to the rechargeable battery. The system also includes a field focusing element disposed between the first coil and the second coil and configured as a self resonant coil having a standing wave current distribution to focus the magnetic field onto the second coil and enhance the coupling between the first coil and the second coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori, Somakumar Ramachandrapanicker, Suma Memana Narayana Bhat
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Patent number: 8244367Abstract: A charging system for an implantable medical device having a secondary coil. The charging system includes an external power source having at least one primary coil, a modulation, circuit operatively coupled to the primary coil and capable of driving it in a manner characterized by a charging parameter, and a sensor in communication with the modulation circuit and capable of sensing a condition indicating a need to adjust the charging parameter during a charging process. The parameter may be varied so that data sensed by the sensor meets a threshold requirement, which may be based on a patient preference, a government regulation, a recommendation promulgated by a health authority and/or a requirement associated with another device carried by the patient. In one embodiment, the regulation dictates maximum magnetic field exposure, and a field limiting circuit is employed to adjust the charging process.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Timothy J. Denison, John J. Grevious, Todd A. Kallmyer
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Publication number: 20120185018Abstract: Power management methods, systems and circuitry are provided for efficiently energizing implanted stimulators. Efficiency is achieved by automatically adjusting the power-supply voltage of the stimulator channel so that the magnitude of the voltage of the current-sink or current-source providing the stimulation current is regulated within a narrow band just above the minimum acceptable level. Adjustment is done once in every cycle of the external high-frequency power source in order to achieve regulation with a very fine time resolution throughout each stimulation period. The power supply voltage is generated and adjusted by rectifying the high-frequency voltage of the secondary coil of a transcutaneous magnetic link by closing and opening a solid-state switch at appropriate times during positive half cycles for a current-sink, and during negative half-cycles for a current-source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: YEDITEPE UNIVERSITESIInventor: Ugur Cilingiroglu
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Publication number: 20120172659Abstract: A magnet arrangement is described for use with hearing implant systems. An external device for use with an implant system has an external device housing that contains external elements of a hearing implant system. A cylindrical external magnet arrangement within the housing has multiple magnetic sections lying in a common plane, including an inner center disc having an inner magnetic orientation in an inner magnetic direction, and an outer radial ring having an outer magnetic orientation in an outer magnetic direction opposite to the inner magnetic direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology GmbHInventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Peter Lampacher, Bernhard Jamnig, Martin Zimmerling, Gunther Weidenholzer, Markus Nagl, Wolfgang Amrhein
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Publication number: 20120130453Abstract: A medical device lead includes a proximal connector, an insulative lead body extending distally from the proximal connector. The proximal connector is configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator. A first conductive coil is coupled to the proximal connector and extends through the lead body. The first conductive coil is coupled to a first electrode at a distal end of the first conductive coil. A first magnetically impregnated polymer layer is adjacent the first conductive coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Scott R. Stubbs, Arthur J. Foster
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Publication number: 20120109241Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a living being with multiple, concurrent, superimposed non-phase-locked signals, at physiologically acceptable intensities and duty cycles such that the signals entrain the tissue. Preferred signals are electromagnetic, and at least one of the frequencies is selected from the list consisting of 7.6 Hz +/?2 Hz. 70.25 Hz+/?0.25 Hz, 71.25 Hz+/?0.25 Hz, and 3040 Hz +/?10 Hz. Among other things, it is contemplated that the signals can be used to create a subjective reduction in pain, mood improvement, to treat osteoporosis, to enhance cardiac function, and/or affect the hypothalamic pituitary axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventor: Elizabeth Rauscher
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Publication number: 20120059389Abstract: Disclosed are various implantable medical devices adapted and configured to operation with a micro-generator comprising: an elongated housing; one or more longitudinally slidable elongated magnets; one or more coils positioned exteriorly, interiorly or integrally along at least a portion of the housing; a power wire in electrical communication with the one or more coils and with an implantable medical device; wherein the implantable micro-generator is adapted and configured to generate energy and communicate the generated energy to the implantable medical device. Additionally, methods of deploying and using the medical devices are contemplated, as well as systems, kits, and communication networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Loren Robert Larson, Brian Lane Larson, Peter Jacobson, Paul Paspa
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Patent number: 8112157Abstract: This disclosure relates to the design and fabrication of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for applications in such varied fields as the biomedical, micro-fluidics and chemical analysis fields for wireless data and power transfer.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Damien C. Rodger, Wen Li
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Publication number: 20110245892Abstract: Techniques adapted for use with recharging a rechargeable power source of an implantable device. One aspect relates to providing a flexible primary coil that can be transcutaneously coupled to a secondary coil of the implantable device. Multiple adjacent turns of the coil are grouped via lacing to form bundles. The bundles have at least one dimension that is selected to be a same size as a predetermined thickness of the coil. In one embodiment, the dimension is a diameter of the bundle. In another embodiment, the dimension is at least one of a length or width of the bundle. Insulating overmolding may be provided over the coil. In one embodiment, the resulting antenna structure is bidirectional such that substantially the same performance characteristics are obtained during recharge regardless of which of two major surfaces of the antenna is placed in proximity to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Bruce D. Fishbeck, Thipphaphone Lougiu, Todd A. Kallmyer, Jay T. Eisch, David P. Olson, William C. Philips, Matthew C. Lukasek, Lonnie B. Gades
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Publication number: 20110230939Abstract: The provision of a system of electrical, electromagnetic or magnetic stimulation to one or more of the T6 through T12 vertebrae of the human spine, through the use of probes, imparts one or more of low frequency, high frequency, AC, DC and combinations, through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, to stimulate the activity of beta cells of the human pancreas, to innervate such cells to better approximate normal function, inclusive of enhanced release of insulin from such cells of the pancreas.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Ronald J. Weinstock
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Patent number: 8004422Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Morgan, Phillip B. Hess
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Patent number: 7962211Abstract: System, method and antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A housing has a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. A primary coil is operatively coupled to the external power and is capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil, the primary coil being wound forming generally concentric loops having an axis. The housing has a protrusion extending from the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, John E. Kast, Kevin J. Kelly, Todd P. Goblish
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Patent number: 7848814Abstract: System for transcutaneous energy transfer to an implantable medical device adapted to be implanted under a cutaneous boundary having a housing having a first surface adapted to face the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the implantable medical device having a first mating element, therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. An external power source has housing having a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the external power source having a second mating element and a primary coil capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. The first mating element and the second mating element are configured to tactilely align the external power source with the implantable medical device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, John E. Kast, Kevin J. Kelly, Todd P. Goblish
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Publication number: 20100222850Abstract: A procedure electrically stimulates a nerve or group of nerves. Unlike conventional systems this procedure is tuned to target a large or small group of neurons using noninvasive electromagnetic induction. This system is capable of doing this by using the principles of the alternating current in a capacitance inductance series resonance circuit. In this system the nerve resonator treats the neuron like a thin conductor placed between the plates of a capacitor in series with an inductor and then tuned to resonate with the appropriate frequency of alternating current. The system could also be inductance tuned for a given frequency. Once the system is tuned, the current amplitude in the entire circuit including the thin conductor or nerve fiber can be externally controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Michael F. Kivlighan
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Patent number: 7761168Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an assembly (22) and a control unit (36). The assembly (22) includes a housing (34) configured to be applied to a nerve (20) of a subject, and at least one cathode (30) and at least one Peltier cooler (32), which are fixed to the housing (34). The control unit (36) is configured to drive the cathode (30) to apply an activating current to the nerve (20) that generates action potentials traveling in first and second directions (38 and 40) in the nerve (20), and the Peltier cooler (32) to cool the nerve (20) sufficiently to block propagation of at least a portion of the cathode-generated action potentials traveling in the second direction (40). Other embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Inventor: Yossi Gross
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Patent number: 7599743Abstract: An implantable medical device system advantageously utilizes low frequency (e.g., about 1-100 kHz) transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) for supplying power from an external control module to an implantable medical device, avoiding power dissipation through eddy currents in a metallic case of an implant and/or in human tissue, thereby enabling smaller implants using a metallic case such as titanium and/or allowing TET signals of greater strength thereby allowing placement more deeply within a patient without excessive power transfer inefficiencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William L. Hassler, Jr., Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
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Patent number: 7515012Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a magnetic field generating tuned circuit includes a processor configured to maintain the resonant frequency of a tuned circuit equal to a reference frequency. The tuned circuit is driven by a power amplifier whose output provides an amplified signal at the reference frequency. The tuned circuit includes a magnetic field generating inductor and a bank of individually switchable capacitors controlled by the processor capable of adding and removing the respective capacitances to and from the tuned circuit. The inductor includes a Faraday shield to shield the tuned circuit from the influence of electric fields. In an embodiment of the invention, the variable capacitor is in the form of a diode variable capacitor (varicap) in parallel circuit relationship with the tuned circuit capacitor and the inductor.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Dale A. Lewis, Donald J. Hancock, Adam Vogel, legal representative, Martin J. Vogel
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Publication number: 20080269829Abstract: The housing of an implantable medical device is made of a titanium alloy that provides improved electrical performance, mechanical strength, and reduced MRI heating. The titanium alloy housing includes portions formed by metal injection molding and welded together. Wall thickness of at least a portion of one major face of the housing is reduced by chemical etching a metal injected molded housing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Bernard Li, Reginald D. Robinson, John E. Kast
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Patent number: 7379775Abstract: A combination, voltage converter circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down conversion functions. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the voltage up/down converter circuit is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) low power control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Matthew I. Haller
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Patent number: 7342508Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Morgan, Phillip B. Hess
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Patent number: 7291107Abstract: A system for recommending insulin bolus quantities to an insulin user includes a display unit and memory unit coupled to a control circuit with a user blood glucose target stored in the memory unit. The control circuit is programmed to receive the user's current blood glucose value, to determine and display via the display unit a recommended correction insulin bolus quantity if the current blood glucose value exceeds the blood glucose target, to compute a difference value as the current blood glucose value less the blood glucose target, and to produce a modified blood glucose target as a sum of the blood glucose target and the difference value for a lock-out time period if the difference value is positive. Additional correction insulin bolus quantities may be recommended during the lock-out time period if the user's current blood glucose value exceeds the modified blood glucose target.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Disetronic Licensing AGInventors: Robert Hellwig, Stefan Weinert
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Patent number: 7254449Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a power signal to one or more implantable devices include a number of dynamic range amplifiers each having a multiplicity of output drivers. Each of the output drivers is configured to generate an output signal. The systems and methods further include control circuitry configured to select at least one of the amplifiers to provide a number of output signals used to generate the power signal that is to be provided to the one or more implantable devices. The control circuitry is further configured to disable the output drivers corresponding to a remaining number of amplifiers. A matching circuit is configured to generate the power signal based on the output signals provided by the at least one selected amplifier. The systems and methods further include means to transmit the power signal to the one or more implantable devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Rankiri Tissa Karunasiri
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Patent number: 7015769Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a magnetic field generating tuned circuit includes a processor configured to maintain the resonant frequency of a tuned circuit equal to a reference frequency. The tuned circuit is driven by a power amplifier whose output provides an amplified signal at the reference frequency. The tuned circuit includes a magnetic field generating inductor and a bank of individually switchable capacitors controlled by the processor capable of adding and removing the respective capacitances to and from the tuned circuit. The inductor includes a Faraday shield to shield the tuned circuit from the influence of electric fields. A power sense circuit monitors the power delivered by the power amplifier to the tuned circuit and the processor sequentially switches the capacitors in a binary progression format to achieve maximum power delivery indicative of conforming the resonant frequency of the tuned circuit to the reference frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Gregoire Cosendai, Maria-Isabel Arcos-Burgos, John Gord
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Patent number: 6919205Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of type II collagen gene expression in cartilage cells via the application of specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured articular cartilage. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased cartilage tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate specific and selective fields optimized for type II collagen gene expression and exposing cartilage tissue to the specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate type II collagen gene expression in such cartilage tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventor: Carl T. Brighton
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Publication number: 20030229381Abstract: An implant for implantation into a person. The implant includes a hermetically sealed housing enclosing electrical circuitry. A first coil is flexibly coupled to the housing such that the first coil is external to the housing and capable of being repositioned relative to the housing. The first coil is capable, after being implanted in the person, of being arranged adjacent a second coil of a remote device, such that first coil and the second coil are inductively coupled. The first coil may be adapted to receive at least one of a power signal and a data signal from a remote source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
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Patent number: 6658301Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning muscles during sleep. The apparatus includes microminiature electrical stimulators that are injected into the muscles to be exercised and a system of transmission coils located in or on the mattress of a bed. The transmission coils transmit power and command signals to the implanted electrical stimulators while the patient sleeps or rests. The implanted electrical stimulators can be programmed so as to produce the desired pattern of muscle exercise without producing cutaneous sensations that would disturb the patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Frances J. R. Richmond
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Patent number: RE41391Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of type II collagen gene expression in cartilage cells via the application of specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured articular cartilage. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased cartilage tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate specific and selective fields optimized for type II collagen gene expression and exposing cartilage tissue to the specific and selective fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate type II collagen gene expression in such cartilage tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventor: Carl T. Brighton