DR. JOHN MACNAUGHTON EPLEY, MD
Medical Practice in Portland, OR

6800062, Oct 5, 2004

Jul 3, 2002

10/188564

John M. Epley - Portland OR

Epley Research, L.L.C. - Portland OR

A61B 1300

600558

A comprehensive vertigo management system and methodology is provided which employs a spatial maneuvering device, preferably under computer control, to orient a subject selectively differently in space, thus to create vestibular activity which is directly related to spatial motion (including acceleration) and/or orientation. Data is collected relating to such orientation and activity, along with certain subject-introduced reaction data in certain instances and video-camera data, and fed to a computer which cooperates in presenting an intuitive visual and pictorial correlation that enables physician diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation regarding elements of dysfunction of the subjects vestibular system.

8162846, Apr 24, 2012

Jun 29, 2010

12/803527

John M. Epley - Portland OR, US

Epley Research LLC - Portland OR

A61B 13/00, A61B 5/00, A61B 5/103, A61B 5/117

600559, 600558, 600587

Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

7892180, Feb 22, 2011

Mar 5, 2007

11/714459

John M. Epley - Portland OR, US

Epley Research LLC - Portland OR

A61B 5/00, A61B 13/00, A61B 5/103, A61B 5/117, A61M 31/00

600559, 600552, 600558, 600560, 600561, 600587, 600595

Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

4020298, Apr 26, 1977

Sep 15, 1975

5/613224

John M. Epley - Portland OR
Austin F. Leach - Portland OR
Arnold Frisch - Portland OR

Hearing Evaluation & Acoustic Research, Inc. - Portland OR

H04R 2900

179175

A portable device primarily for use in determining the effectiveness of various personal hearing protectors in attenuating hazardous noise. The device comprises an electronic circuit for generating audio test signals at varying amplitude levels, and a display for providing numerical indications usable to measure accurately the difference in amplitudes between the respective audio signals. The test signal increases or decreases in loudness in response to a subject-operated hand switch which also triggers display of the appropriate numerical indication at amplitude levels determined subjectively by the individual being tested. The electronic circuit of the device preferably is capable of producing such test signals in complex, multifrequency form with preweighting of the power spectrum of the signal so as to emphasize the most potentially hazardous frequencies. Specially designed earcups having audio transducers resiliently mounted within are provided for the testing of earplug effectiveness in an environment of ambient noise. The device is capable of testing attenuation utilizing amplitude levels either at the threshold of hearing perception or at supra-threshold levels wherein the test ear signal is compared with a reference signal in the contralateral ear to allow for testing in a high or fluctuating ambient noise level.

4060701, Nov 29, 1977

Sep 15, 1975

5/613245

John M. Epley - Portland OR

Hearing Evaluation & Acoustic Research, Inc. - Portland OR

H04R 2900

179175

A method for rapidly and accurately measuring the acoustical attenuation effectiveness of various personal hearing protection devices as worn, particularly in-the-ear type protectors under conditions of normal fit in a working environment having significant ambient noise. The method comprises presenting an audio signal to an ear both with and without the hearing protector in place and noting the difference in intensity of the applied signal, measured in decibels, required to obtain the same perceived amplitude level in each case. The perceived amplitude level may be either the threshold of the subject's hearing perception or a supra-threshold reference point determined by a comparison of the test ear signal with a reference signal in the contralateral ear to allow for testing in ambient noise levels of high or fluctuating intensity. The test signal is preferably a multi-frequency complex signal having a preweighted power spectrum which emphasizes those frequencies which are particularly hazardous. The preferred supra-threshold test utilizes a reference signal in the non-test ear which is audibly distinguishable from the signals applied to the test ear other than with respect to amplitude.

4628907, Dec 16, 1986

Mar 22, 1984

6/592236

John M. Epley - Portland OR

A61B 502, H04R 2500

128 16

A direct contact hearing aid apparatus adapted to be mounted deep within the ear canal is disclosed, including an output electromechanical transducer for converting audio output signals into mechanical movement of an output coupling element without the production of discernible sound waves to prevent acoustic feedback. The coupling element is supported in direct contact with a contact element mounted on the tympanic membrane by a metal clip attached to the malleus bone to provide direct electromechanical coupling to the ossicles through the tympanic membrane. The contact element is made of magnetic material, such as a permanent magnet, and is magnetically connected to the coupling element. A pair of magnetic switches are provided within the hearing aid housing for mechanically switching the connections of the battery and a volume control while the hearing aid is mounted in the ear canal in response to changes in the polarity of a remote external magnetic actuator located outside of the housing. An external magnetic insertion probe is used for insertion and removal of the hearing aid into and from the ear canal by magnetic engagement with a magnetic holder member on the housing.

3995620, Dec 7, 1976

Nov 5, 1975

5/629021

John M. Epley - Portland OR

Instrumentation & Control Systems, Inc. - Addison IL

A61B 1900

128 2R

Delivery tubes used with air caloric stimulation systems, when measuring vestibular responses. The delivery tubes fit into the patient's ears at the nozzle end thereof. Silastic tubing is provided narrower at the nozzle end for forming a higher velocity narrower stream of air directed at the tympanic membrane to produce more effective and consistent heat exchange with the labyrinth. A shield is provided to prevent the tubing from impinging on the tympanic membrane and to retain the apparatus in place. A handle is also provided to aid in the insertion of the delivery tube into the air canal, and to aid in attaching the delivery nozzle of the delivery head regularly used with the air caloric stimulation system.