Tuesday, December 1, 2015

STEM Patent Research: 11/30/15

PROCESSING EMG:
Assessment of EMG signal acquired from parts of the body where there is a lot of activation of muscles involved in motor skills (ability to do complex muscle and nerve act to produce movement). It can compare the pattern observed to known patterns obtained during a controlled activity.

The invention is a circuit that can take EMG signals and transfer them via USB to a computer.

A way and apparatus that can be used to produce a model EMG signal from a measured one by a series of filters. The EMG signal that results is separate from the EMG and EKG signal that is measured.

EMG signals are detected from several different locations on the hand. These locations of electrodes are where precise movements occur. The EMG signals are registered and processed to be used for biometric assessment.

Acquiring uterine EMG signals. Signal processing device transmits the signal to a relaying device which sends it out to a call center for a doctor to look at. Can potentially help us figure out how to transmit the signal to another arm etc. At least one pair of electrodes used.


ANALYZING EMG:
A machine learning model that has the user do specific gestures so that it learns the signals from that gesture. The machine learning model can then identify specific gestures from specific fingers of the user using the information that it has learned.

A sensing device that allows patients to control an object by using motor unit action potential. It uses an emg sensor which they place on a specific area of the patient. It also configures a signal that represents the motor unit action potential. Then it uses a personal area network transmitting device  that corresponds to a specific signal. Personal area network is used to convert it to an electrical signal which then goes through a processor where the electrical signal is received to generate at least one control signal.


GADGETS TO HELP HUMANS:
Hybrid prosthetic arm controlled by surface EMG (determines electrical activity of the muscle) (sEMG places electrodes on the skin overlaying the muscle and not INTO the skin) and mechanical control from elbow and shoulder of amputee. Device contains mechanical fingers driven by mechanical motors controlled by microcontrollers (a small computer (SoC) on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.) The instruction sent to the arm is from sEMG signals. It can convert sEMG data into instructions, and movement comes from motion of the shoulder, rotation of the elbow, and sEMG signal.

A lower prosthetic limb that uses EMG signals to determine the user’s specific gait phase. The device recognizes which EMG signals correspond with which type of locomotion to better replicate the user’s motion.

An athletic glove that records EMG signals from electrodes on the inside of the glove. The data is gathered and processed, and then output on an external module of the glove. This data provides feedback on grip to the user.

TENS bandage that uses electrical stimulation to ease and block pain within wounds. Also helps with healing of a wound.

A suit that has electrodes placed on it. Wires connect the electrodes together with a form of stimulation device. The wearer or user can apply electrical stimulation to certain muscle groups or parts of the body, inhibiting a response.


STIMULATION:
Stimulating nerves using electrodes with an electrically insulating back layer. Increases electrical current through surrounding tissues. Increases impedance of electrical path through blood in lumen of blood vessel.

A surface probe with a conductive tip that can apply a local high voltage. The electricity applied causes a stimulation of the targeted muscle fibers, eliciting a forceful movement from those muscles. The force and number of twitches can be altered.

A device that can send electrical stimulation to the extremities specifically. It braces the hands in place on a flat surface and then provides the shock with a TENS unit.

An automated system that is able to deliver electrical stimulation to the user. It can then also detect the muscle response from the electrical stimulation. Being able to detect muscle response and deliver electrical shocks, the system is able to automatically diagnose one characteristic of a muscle from the response and adjust the electrical stimulation accordingly.

A TENS device that is able to apply electrical stimulation to muscles and also detected changes in the skin. There are two modes, stimulation mode and re-calibration mode. Via a plurality of electrodes, the device can apply an adjusted electrical current to the user based on skin impedance.

A device that contains a pulse generator to mimic MUAPs that are naturally generated. The invention can synthesize the basic wave form, not depending on muscle contraction to achieve any form of stimulation.

A TENS unit can connect to a smartphone via bluetooth. It can receive data as far which signals to transmit, and it can also send data to the smartphone in response to biofeedback from the user’s body. The controller can change pulse width, frequency, and/or intensity.


PLACES WE CAN INNOVATE:
The devices of EMG and TENS remain generally separate in the patents that we found. Both technologies seem to be known, it is just a matter of finding a method of combining these technologies. One place we can innovate is in a device that integrates both technologies together.

Another area that we can innovate is in TENS. Some of the patents that we found were able to adjust the signal, like in frequency or intensity. We could find a way to develop a TENS unit that can accept a changing signal and shock the user with that type of signal.


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