Brain stimulation using magnetic fields: Key Neurotech Patent #12

– Illustrative image from U.S. Patent No. 6,572,528 Today we are discussing a 2003 patent, assigned to McLean Hospital, pioneering brain stimulation techniques. U.S. Patent No. 6,572,528: Magnetic field stimulation techniques Assignee(s): McLean Hospital Inventor(s): Michael L. Rohan, Aimee Parrow, Perry F. Renshaw Technology Category: Hybrid Issue Date: June 3, 2003 SharpBrains’ Take: The ‘528 patent discloses magnetic stimulation techniques for enhancing brain function with a variety of stimulation techniques. The specification, having just four illustration sheets and four pages of written material, may raise question of the adequacy of support for claimed subject matter. Despite what might be considered to be a sparse specification, the four independent claims produce a nicely-designed picket fence around the use of time-varying magnetic fields to enhance brain function, trading off limitations between various features of the magnetic field (e.g., pulse strength, directionality, polarity, etc.). These independent claims, in tandem with dependent claims enumerating various other features of the magnetic field and targeted regions of the brain, contribute to making the ‘528 patent a key non-invasive neurotechnology patent. Abstract: The invention involves enhancing brain function by stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. Applications of the new methods include improving the condition of individuals with cognitive disorders, such as depression, and studying t...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Health & Wellness Technology brain-function brain-stimulation cognitive--disorders enhance brain function magnetic Magnetic field stimulation McLean Hospital neural stimulation neuro-technology patent Source Type: blogs