Generating Complex Signals Patents (Class 607/68)
  • Patent number: 11743807
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a method is disclosed for use in a network node. The method comprises transmitting a set of system information transmission. Each transmission within the set comprises system information, and the set of transmissions enable soft combining by configuring a portion of the system information to be the same for each transmission within the set. For each transmission, the method comprises providing an indication of an identifier associated with the respective transmission. The indication is provided other than in the system information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Johan Rune, Pål Frenger, Stefan Wager
  • Patent number: 10864365
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices which utilize novel stimulation waveforms and novel arrangements of TENS electrodes to improve the efficiency of power consumption while enhancing therapeutic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Neurometrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Herb, Andres Aguirre, Xuan Kong, Shai N. Gozani
  • Patent number: 10758727
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V., NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Toader, Hubert Cécile François Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decré, Franciscus Paulus Maria Budzelaar, Pieter Gerrit Blanken, David James Anderson
  • Patent number: 10543356
    Abstract: A pain sensory nerve stimulation apparatus includes: an electrode portion including: a first electrode, a tip end of which is adapted to be inserted into a skin; and at lease one second electrode which is disposed in a circumference of the first electrode without being electrically conductive with the first electrode, and which is adapted to be in contact with a skin; and a stimulation signal supplying unit, supplying a bipolar stimulation signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the bipolar stimulation signal including a first waveform signal and a second waveform, the first waveform which is convex in a negative direction in the first electrode, the second waveform signal which is convex in a positive direction in the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignees: INTER-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CORPORATION, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Inui, Yasuyuki Takeshima, Jun Motogi, Yoshinobu Ono, Takeshi Kojima, Ryosuke Ushijima, Katsumi Nakaichi, Kazuwa Shibuya
  • Patent number: 10112040
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices which utilize novel stimulation waveforms and novel arrangements of TENS electrodes to improve the efficiency of power consumption while enhancing therapeutic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Neurometrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Herb, Andres Aguirre, Xuan Kong, Shai N. Gozani
  • Patent number: 9993647
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation therapy method. The method includes applying a variable frequency stimulation pulse to target nerve tissue of the patient suffering from dysfunction of a nerve circuit in the brain selected from the group consisting of motor circuit, associative circuit and limbic circuit, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; and each of the at least two kinds of alternate electrical stimulation pulse trains in each of the plurality of pulse train periods has a duration in a range from about 0.1 seconds to about 60 minutes. The target nerve tissue is a part of the nerve circuit. The different frequencies of the electrical stimulation pulse trains are in a range from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Lu-Ming Li, Fu-Min Jia, Xing Qian, Sen Wan, Hong-Wei Hao
  • Patent number: 9981125
    Abstract: A cosmetic device 10 for performing iontophoresis on the skin 40 of a human, includes carbon sheet electrodes 33A and 33B to be mounted on the skin 40 of the human, and provides an electric signal to the carbon sheet electrodes 33A and 33B, the electric signal being obtained by superimposing an AC signal and a high-frequency signal that has a frequency higher than a frequency of the AC signal while setting a position to which the high-frequency signal is superimposed at a polar region of the AC signal that does not contribute to the iontophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SHISEIDO COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Saito, Yuichiro Mori
  • Patent number: 9717912
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: MEDTRONIC BAKKEN RESEARCH CENTER B.V, NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Emil Toader, Hubert Cécile François Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decré, Franciscus Paulus Maria Budzelaar, Pieter Gerrit Blanken, David James Anderson
  • Patent number: 9647485
    Abstract: A portable device is provided. The portable device includes a power receiving unit configured to receive a first energy or a second energy from a wireless power transmitter, the first energy being used to perform a communication function and a control function, the second energy being used to charge a battery, and the wireless power transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit a power, a voltage generator configured to generate a wake-up voltage from the first energy, or to generate a voltage for charging the battery from the second energy, a controller configured to perform the communication function and the control function, the controller being activated by the wake-up voltage, and a communication unit configured to perform a communication with the wireless power transmitter based on a control of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Yun Kim, Sang Wook Kwon
  • Patent number: 9597517
    Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing neurostimulation therapy to a patient. A user customizes a pulse pattern on a pulse-by-pulse basis. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to at least one electrode in accordance with the customized pulse pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9522279
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Alan Miesel, Sudha Nagavarapu, Randall Maas
  • Patent number: 9462398
    Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk DeRidder
  • Patent number: 9050464
    Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Martin P. Mintchev
  • Patent number: 8983628
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8983629
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise-induced bronchospasm and post-operative bronchospasm. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that activate neural pathways to reduce the release of acetycholine from airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons within the brain of the patient. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to produce the bronchodilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20140371805
    Abstract: A dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system and method are provided. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may be used as pulse system for a defibrillator or cardioverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas M. RAYMOND, Peter D. GRAY
  • Patent number: 8897886
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for electrotherapeutic treatment of the human body, which has electrodes that can be laid against the body and a device for producing a therapy current that flows through the body, by way of the electrodes, whereby the device for generating the therapy current comprises two oscillators having frequencies f1 and f2 that lie close to one another and are suitable for forming a beat, an oscillator having a frequency f3 that is less than the beat frequency fs1=f1?f2, and a mixer device for superimposition of the oscillator signals. According to the invention, the device for producing the therapy current comprises at least two additional oscillators with frequencies f4 and f5, and the mixer device is provided with frequencies f1 to f5 for superimposition of all oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Erhard Schoendorf
  • Publication number: 20140343630
    Abstract: A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen C. Trier, Jeffrey A. Weisgarber, Richard J. Polefko
  • Patent number: 8855786
    Abstract: A resonator is provided for use in a system for energy transfer between a first device and a second device. The resonator includes a coil having multiple layers, each layer including inductive and insulative layers. The thickness of a conductor layer may be relative to the skin depth of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nucurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin R. Derbas, Vinit Singh
  • Publication number: 20140249361
    Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a target such as a nerve, wherein the system includes a first waveform generator adapted to generate a first waveform having a frequency capable of stimulating a predetermined target of the mammal, a second waveform generator adapted to generate a carrier waveform having a frequency capable of passing through tissue of the mammal, a modulation device electrically coupled to the first and second waveform generators and adapted to modulate the first and carrier waveforms to create a modulated waveform, and an electrode electrically coupled to the modulation device and positioned substantially adjacent to skin of the mammal, and adapted to apply the modulated waveform thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. DiUbaldi, Michael R. Tracey
  • Patent number: 8805515
    Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Intelect Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall York, Scott Kokones, Keith Carlton, Alan Greszler
  • Patent number: 8750984
    Abstract: A device for stimulation via electric and magnetic fields is provided. The autonomic/vegetative nervous system can be controlled by signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz and 0.15 to 0.30 Hz, respectively. By addition of characteristic sinusoidal oscillations between the head and a peripheral area with the corresponding low-frequency sympathetic or parasympathetic control frequency as base oscillation and with application-typical EEG frequencies and higher-frequency sinusoidal oscillations in the range of ca. 250 to 1500 Hz, characteristic stimulation programs are established. These are applied by field applicators in the upper body area and in the lower body. The associated mat applicators distribute field energy. The field applicator is equipped with a combination of a magnetic-field-generating coil arrangement and an electrode arrangement generating the electric field. The electrode generating the electric field can at the same time be designed as a magnetic-field-generating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Actegy Ltd.
    Inventors: Stewart Penny, Manfred Krauss, Roland Fischer, Werner Schmidt, Mario Mobius
  • Patent number: 8694105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a neurostimulation system, particularly for deep brain stimulation (DBS), comprising a spatial array (130) of stimulation electrodes (132) and an associated controller (110). The controller (110) is adapted to sequentially supply electrical pulses to different subsets of the stimulation electrodes (132). Preferably, the controller (110) comprises a single pulse-generator (112) and a multiplexing unit (111) for distributing the pulses to different stimulation electrodes. The stimulation electrodes (132) may preferably be arranged on probes (131).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sapiens Steering Brain Stimulation B.V.
    Inventors: Hubert Cecile Francois Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decre, Eugenio Cantatore
  • Patent number: 8672826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the in vivo stimulation of cellular material. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for stimulating cells and tissue in vivo comprising the step of applying to said cells and tissue an electrobiomimetic stimulus, wherein the growth characteristics of said cells and tissue are enhanced as compared to cells and tissue not receiving said stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Global Energy Medicine Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Edwards, Chin Joo Goh, Kay Fei Chan
  • Publication number: 20140052204
    Abstract: A system and method to deliver a therapeutic quantity of energy to a patient. The system includes a capacitor having a rated energy storage capacity substantially equal to the therapeutic quantity of energy, a boost converter coupled with the capacitor and constructed to release energy from the capacitor at a substantially constant current for a time interval, and an H-bridge circuit coupled with the boost converter and constructed to apply the substantially constant current in a biphasic voltage waveform to the patient. The method includes storing a quantity of energy substantially equal to the therapeutic quantity of energy in a capacitor, releasing the quantity of energy at a relatively constant current during a time interval using a boost converter coupled with the capacitor, and delivering a portion of the quantity energy in a direction to the patient using an H-bridge circuit coupled with the boost converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: James G. Radzelovage
  • Publication number: 20130338726
    Abstract: A neurostimulation system can include a memory, a playback system, a stimulation electrode, and a controller. The memory can store data for first and second input waveforms. The playback system can provides first and second output waveforms, based on the first and second input waveforms in the memory, respectively, to form composite patterns of stimulation or waveforms. The first output waveform can be different than the second output waveform. The second output waveform can be periodically superimposed on the first output waveform. The controller can be in communication with the stimulation electrode. The controller can be configured to control application of the composite pattern of stimulation or waveform to a target site in a body of a subject suffering from a medical condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Andre Machado
  • Patent number: 8612017
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Retina Implant AG
    Inventor: Albrecht Rothermel
  • Patent number: 8588931
    Abstract: Neural stimulation is effected by a stimulus current pulse. The current pulse is initially of an amplitude to rapidly induce a desired electrode voltage, and is subsequently of reduced amplitude to control electrode voltage in a desired manner. This can effect a reduced peak electrode voltage while delivering a given amount of charge. Optimization of the current pulse may further involve parameterising an electrode current waveform as a sequence of piecewise constant steps, each step having substantially the same duration as all other steps and each step having a calculatable amplitude, and identifying electrode-tissue interface (ETI) parameters. For each step of the pulse, the respective step amplitude is then calculated using the identified ETI parameters to optimise the electrode voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: National ICT Australia Limited, The Bionics Institute of Australia
    Inventors: Mark Edward Halpern, James Bernard Fallon
  • Patent number: 8583262
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. Electrical stimulation current is conveyed from at least two of the electrodes to at least one of the electrodes along at least two electrical paths through tissue of the patient, and the electrical stimulation current is shifted between the electrical paths by actively adjusting one or more finite resistances respectively associated with one or more of the electrical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, David K. L. Peterson, Kerry Bradley, Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore
  • Patent number: 8509903
    Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Intelect Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall York, Scott Kokones, Keith Carlton, Alan Greszler
  • Patent number: 8457761
    Abstract: A system and method of applying an electric field to the kidney of a subject can reduce renal salt and water retention through the process of electrophoresis. The system includes a first and a second electrode, at least of which is implantably associated with the kidney. The electric field can be controlled to affect the removal of a first constituent (e.g. sodium) from the kidney while the level of a second constituent (e.g. potassium) is maintained within normal physiological range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramesh Wariar
  • Publication number: 20130096655
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
  • Patent number: 8340775
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for defining a stimulation program for electrical stimulation of a patient, the method comprising: providing a single screen user interface that comprises a first plurality of controls and a second plurality of controls, the first plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters for a plurality of stimulation sets, the second plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters defining burst stimulation and tonic stimulation; receiving user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls; and automatically modifying parameters for one or more stimulation sets in response to receiving the user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls and modifying values displayed in one or more controls of the first plurality of controls according to the modified parameters, the modified parameters reflecting a stimulation program that includes an interleaved pattern of burst stimulation and tonic stimulation for delivery t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Cullen, John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120157875
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing non-visible (occult) maladies in a human patient, the method comprising: (a) deploying at least two electrodes spaced apart on the skin of the patient; (b) detecting and recording a bioelectrical signal in and around said electrodes, the bioelectrical signal being a stochastic signal; (c) transforming the stochastic signal into a voltage versus frequency spectra using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm; (d) comparing a graph of a resultant FFT level of the patient to at least one graph of a baseline FFT level; and (e) determining a presents of a non-visible (occult) malady based on said comparison. Methods for monitoring a treatment regimen for non-visible (occult) maladies and for modulating the amplitude of endogenous bioelectrical stochastic signals in a human patient are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: LIFEWAVE LTD.
    Inventors: Michel Afargan, Elia Bernardino Ricci
  • Publication number: 20120095531
    Abstract: A system and method for energy transfer between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, the transmitting unit having a transmitting antenna circuit having a first resonant frequency and a high quality factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: NEURDS INC.
    Inventors: Justin R. Derbas, Vinit Singh
  • Patent number: 8027721
    Abstract: External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110077722
    Abstract: Methods and devices of stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry (12), an acoustic transducer (14) and a pair of electrodes (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate acting and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce Towe, William E. Crisp
  • Publication number: 20100331923
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient using electrodes implanted adjacent tissue. The method comprises regulating a first voltage at an anode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, regulating a second voltage at a cathode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, and conveying electrical stimulation energy between the anode at the first voltage and the cathode at the second voltage, thereby stimulating the neural tissue. The system comprises a grounding electrode configured for being placed in contact with the tissue, electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the electrodes, a first regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, a second regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, and control circuitry configured for controlling the regulators to convey electrical stimulation energy between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: David K.L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7809444
    Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11) having a plurality of electrodes thereon. The electrodes are preferably disposed in a linear array on the carrier member (11) and are adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation to the cochlea. The carrier member (11) is preformed from a resiliently flexible biocompatible silicone and extends from a distal end (12) to a stop member (13). The carrier member (11) is adapted for intracochlear but extraluminar insertion within the cochlea of an implantee. In particular, the carrier member (11) is adapted to be implanted in the crevice (21) between the spiral ligament (22) and the endosteum (23) of the lateral wall of the cochlea (20). This is a quite different location to the normal placement of the cochlear implant electrode array in the scala tympani (24) of the cochlea (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Peter Gibson, Ernst Lehnhardt, John L. Parker
  • Patent number: 7783362
    Abstract: Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for vagus nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, James P. McGivern, Rafael Carbunaru, Matthew I. Haller, Tom Xiaohai He, Kerry Bradley
  • Publication number: 20100204750
    Abstract: A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CEREPHEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. HARGROVE, Theodore J. STOKES, Mary L. ESTY
  • Patent number: 7769463
    Abstract: A therapeutic electrostimulation apparatus and method operates to supply electrostimulation signals to three channels. The basic electrostimulation signal for each of the channels is the same; and this signal is applied to a transcranial electrostimulation set of output electrodes. A second channel provided with the same signal is further operated to modulate the signal with a dual frequency signal pattern for the application of the second channel signal to a second set of electrodes, typically applied to the body near the spinal area. A third channel supplied with the basic electrostimulation signal modulates the electrostimulation signal during a portion of a treatment session with a diapason of frequencies varying randomly, and the output of this channel is applied to a set of electrodes at a local area for therapeutic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Kalaco Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Yakov Katsnelson
  • Publication number: 20100179620
    Abstract: A system and method of applying an electric field to the kidney of a subject can reduce renal salt and water retention through the process of electrophoresis. The system includes a first and a second electrode, at least of which is implantably associated with the kidney. The electric field can be controlled to affect the removal of a first constituent (e.g. sodium) from the kidney while the level of a second constituent (e.g. potassium) is maintained within normal physiological range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ramesh Wariar
  • Patent number: 7742810
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is placed in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, David K. L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100145414
    Abstract: A neuromimetic device includes a feedforward pathway and a feedback pathway. The device operates in parallel with a suspect neural region, coupled between regions afferent and efferent to the suspect region. The device can be trained to mimic the suspect region while the region is still considered functional; and then replace the region once the region is considered dysfunctional. The device may be particularly useful in treating neuromotor issues such as Parkinson's disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Michel Marcel Jose Ghislain Decre, Hubert Cecile Francois Martens, Youri Victorovitch Ponomarev
  • Patent number: 7536020
    Abstract: A wearable communication device includes a bone conduction actuator which is applicable for being in contact with a user's wrist, hand, back of the hand, finger or nail in order to transmit voice signals. The user inserts the user's finger into the user's ear canal, or touches the user's finger to a part near the user's ear, or puts the user's fingertip or nail on the user's ear canal so as to block the user's ear canal when the user uses the wearable communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Fukumoto, Yoshinobu Tonomura
  • Patent number: 7433734
    Abstract: A desired effect is produced by therapeutically activating tissue at a first site within a patient's body and a corresponding undesired side effect is reduced by blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials at a second site within the patient's body by applying high frequency stimulation and/or direct current pulses at or near the second site. Time-varying DC pulses may be used before or after a high frequency blocking signal. The high frequency stimulation may begin before and continue during the therapeutic activation. The high frequency stimulation may begin with a relatively low amplitude, and the amplitude may be gradually increased. The desired effect may be promotion of micturition or defecation and the undesired side effect may be sphincter contraction. The desired effect may be defibrillation of the patient's atria or defibrillation of the patient's ventricles, and the undesired side effect may be pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. King
  • Patent number: 7419474
    Abstract: A method for producing a non-linearly varying therapeutic signal for therapy wherein a string of randomly or nonlinearly varying data increments the input to a mathematical function such as incrementing the phase angle of a sine function to produce a non linearly varying signal for application as therapy. This method also includes inserting upward chirps and sequencing different therapeutic signals to create a composite signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Lee
  • Patent number: 7333858
    Abstract: A method for stimulating nerve or tissue fibers and a prosthetic hearing device implanting same. The method comprises: generating a stimulation signal comprising a plurality of pulse bursts each comprising a plurality of pulses; and distributing said plurality of pulse bursts across one or more electrodes each operatively coupled to nerve or tissue fibers such that each of said plurality of pulse bursts delivers a charge to said nerve or tissue fibers to cause dispersed firing in said nerve or tissue fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Matthijs Killian, Ernst von Wallenberg, Guido Smoorenburg
  • Patent number: 7228184
    Abstract: A hand-held viral inhibitor and related methodology which transfer between space exposed electrodes an electric current signal of reversing polarity through the viral-laden tissue are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Chester Heath