US5265624A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stimulation collar
Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
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Filing: 1992-05-19
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Granted: 1993-11-30
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Expires: 2012-05-19
Abstract
Abstract A system for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea packaged in a collar assembly with remote electrodes which can be worn by a patient without any special preparation. The collar assembly has an adjustable attachment means, such as hook and latch, to accommodate variations in neck size. The collar assembly is properly oriented using variations in physical shape and/or color. An optional feedback system permits the patient to readily verify proper orientation. The remote electrodes may be conveniently maintained in position using a mouthpiece or other means. Radio frequency signals are sent from the collar assembly to the remote electrodes to provide the therapy upon detection of an apnea event.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce R. Bowman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/48; A61B5/4806; A61B5/4818; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/113; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/56; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/3601
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for treating obstruction of an upper air passageway of a patient comprising: a. means for sensing onset of an obstructive sleep apnea episode; b. means coupled to said sensing means for generating muscle stimulating signals; c. electrode means for transferring said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of said patient; d. means coupled to said generating means and said electrode means for coupling said muscle stimulating signals from said generating means to said electrode means; and e. means attached to said sensing means, said generating means, and said coupling means for maintaining said sensing means, said generating means, and said coupling means in proximity to said patient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus for treating obstruction of an upper air passageway of a patient comprising: a. means for sensing onset of an obstructive sleep apnea episode; b. means coupled to said sensing means for generating muscle stimulating signals; c. electrode means for transferring said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of said patient; d. means coupled to said generating means and said electrode means for coupling said muscle stimulating signals from said generating means to said electrode means; and e. means attached to said sensing means, said generating means, and said coupling means for maintaining said sensing means, said generating means, and said coupling means in proximity to said patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises a radio frequency transmitter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said coupling means further comprises a radio frequency antenna coupled to said radio frequency transmitter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said maintaining means comprises a collar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said collar includes positioning means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises an audio sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises an activity sensor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises an oximeter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises an air flow meter.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising: a. generating an electrical muscle stimulation signal; b. transmitting said electrical muscles stimulation signal using a radio frequency signal; c. receiving said radio frequency signal at a remote electrode means; and d. using said electrode means to transfer said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of a patient.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising: a. generating an electrical muscle stimulation signal; b. transmitting said electrical muscles stimulation signal using a radio frequency signal; c. receiving said radio frequency signal at a remote electrode means; and d. using said electrode means to transfer said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of a patient.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 10 further comprising sensing onset of an apnea event.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 11 further comprising initiating said generating step in response to said sensing of said onset of said apnea event.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
85 words
An apparatus for treating a patient comprising: a. means for generating muscle stimulating signals; b. electrode means for transferring said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of said patient; c. means coupled to said generating means and said electrode means for coupling said muscle stimulating signals from said generating means to said electrode means; and d. means attached to said generating means and said coupling means for maintaining said generating means and said coupling means in proximity to said patient.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
85 words
An apparatus for treating a patient comprising: a. means for generating muscle stimulating signals; b. electrode means for transferring said muscle stimulating signals to muscle tissue of said upper air passageway of said patient; c. means coupled to said generating means and said electrode means for coupling said muscle stimulating signals from said generating means to said electrode means; and d. means attached to said generating means and said coupling means for maintaining said generating means and said coupling means in proximity to said patient.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said coupling means further comprises a radio frequency transmitter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-11-29 | 1997-05-31 | 1997-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-29 | 2001-05-31 | 2001-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-29 | 2005-05-31 | 2005-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |