David A Stanton

US Patent:

RE320919, Mar 11, 1986

Filed:

Oct 24, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/544892

Inventors:

David J. Stanton - Anoka MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N 136

US Classification:

128423W

Abstract:

A dual channel neuromuscular stimulator. Pulses developed by a pulse generator are transmitted alternately on both channels to involuntarily contract muscles. The stimulator has variable on/off cycling capability to provide flexibility in meeting the stimulation needs of patients and has output current adjustments and other variable parameter settings to achieve optimum neuromuscular stimulation. To enhance patient comfort, the stimulation output of the stimulator can be slowly "ramped up" to its full stimulation power to allow the increase in stimulation to occur at various rates to accommodate the differing characteristics of different muscle groups. A jack is provided to permit the stimulation to be controlled by an external switch operated by a clinician to coordinate stimulation of various muscle groups with voluntary muscle contraction by the patient. The jack can also be connected to a heel operated switch to stimulate muscle groups to allow certain disabled persons to walk normally. The balanced biphasic output waveform of the stimulator has a zero net DC component to minimize the possibility of skin rash developing from stimulation.

US Patent:

45399930, Sep 10, 1985

Filed:

Nov 18, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/442532

Inventors:

David J. Stanton - Anoka MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N 136

US Classification:

128421

Abstract:

A tissue stimulator of the type which provides short intervals of stimulation followed by longer intervals of rest is provided with a fail-safe system for turning off the stimulator if the stimulation interval exceeds a predetermined maximum interval. A timer times each "on" interval. If the "on" interval exceeds the predetermined maximum, the timer times out and shuts off stimulation.

US Patent:

46901442, Sep 1, 1987

Filed:

Apr 2, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/364660

Inventors:

Mark T. Rise - Minneapolis MN
David J. Stanton - Anoka MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N 136

US Classification:

128419R

Abstract:

A transcutaneous electrical tissue stimulator comprises an electrical tissue stimulation generator (10, 41) attachable to the human body and a remote controller (37, 40) therefor. Generator (10) includes a plurality of rigid printed circuit boards (73-75) having components (91, 92) mounted thereon, each circuit board (73-75) interconnected with flexible printed circuit board (76, 77) and terminal means (51-54) for delivery of electrical tissue stimulation to electrodes (12-15). Remote programmer (37, 40) comprises user controls (39) for control of generator (10, 41) stimulation mode or parameters via telemetric link (42d, 42a).

US Patent:

43924964, Jul 12, 1983

Filed:

Mar 13, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/243558

Inventors:

David J. Stanton - Anoka MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N 136

US Classification:

128423W

Abstract:

A dual channel neuromuscular stimulator. Pulses developed by a pulse generator are transmitted alternately on both channels to involuntarily contract muscles. The stimulator has variable on/off cycling capability to provide flexibility in meeting the stimulation needs of patients and has output current adjustments and other variable parameter settings to achieve optimum neuromuscular stimulation. To enhance patient comfort, the stimulation output of the stimulator can be slowly "ramped up" to its full stimulation power to allow the increase in stimulation to occur at various rates to accommodate the differing characteristics of different muscle groups. A jack is provided to permit the stimulation to be controlled by an external switch operated by a clinician to coordinate stimulation of various muscle groups with voluntary muscle contraction by the patient. The jack can also be connected to a heel operated switch to stimulate muscle groups to allow certain disabled persons to walk normally. The balanced biphasic output waveform of the stimulator has a zero net DC component to minimize the possibility of skin rash developing from stimulation.

US Patent:

42301211, Oct 28, 1980

Filed:

Jan 29, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/007306

Inventors:

David J. Stanton - Anoka MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N 136

US Classification:

128422

Abstract:

An electrical body stimulator having particular utility for transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation. Circuitry is provided which delivers a driving pulse, the stimulator output circuitry being responsive to the driving pulse duration for establishing at least one stimulation signal parameter in accordance therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the driving pulse generator includes an energy storage device and an oscillating power supply connected to the storage device for alternately charging and discharging the storage device. A dual state device responds to the charge level of the energy storage device and changes state in response to predetermined changes in the energy storage device charge level. The charging rate is alterable to alter the duration of the driving pulse.