Patents by Inventor John D. Richert

John D. Richert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7626488
    Abstract: An RFID system and method for communicating between a host computer, one or more interrogators connected to the host computer, and a large body of transponders distributed within an area covered by the interrogators. Each transponder originally has a common identification code, and upon initialization by the host computer internally generates a unique identification code based upon an internally generated random number. The host, through the interrogators, reads each of the identification codes associated with each transponder by iteratively transmitting a read identification code command along with a controlled variable. Each transponder compares the received controlled variable to an internally generated random number, and selectively transmits its identification code based upon the outcome of this comparison. After the completion of each read identification code iteration, the host adjusts the controlled variable based upon the responses received in the previous iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert, John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7595723
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Harold A. Heitzmann, John A. Frazier, Morgan T. McKeown, Wayne A. Noda, George Francis Sutton, III, Ann B. Yadlowsky, Michael LeRoy Gelvin, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 7347819
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 7253717
    Abstract: An RFID system and method for communicating between a host computer, one or more interrogators connected to the host computer, and a large body of transponders distributed within an area covered by the interrogators. Each transponder originally has a common identification code, and upon initialization by the host computer internally generates a unique identification code based upon an internally generated random number. The host, through the interrogators, reads each of the identification codes associated with each transponder by iteratively transmitting a read identification code command along with a controlled variable. Each transponder compares the received controlled variable to an internally generated random number, and selectively transmits its identification code based upon the outcome of this comparison. After the completion of each read identification code iteration, the host adjusts the controlled variable based upon the responses received in the previous iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Mobile Technics LLC
    Inventors: John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert, John P. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7171274
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Starkweather, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 7024245
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20040225338
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6811533
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6813519
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6811534
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam W. Bowman, IV, Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20040210267
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6758810
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, Robert C. Dennard, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6733446
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, John C. Gord, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6687546
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and external device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein messages are transmitted under a robust communication protocol. The communication protocol gives enhanced assurance concerning the integrity of messages that impact medical operations of the implantable device. Messages are transmitted using a multipart format that includes a preamble, a frame sync, a telemetry ID, data, and a validation code. The data portion of the message includes an op-code that dictates various other elements that form part of the message. The data portion may also include additional elements such as sequence numbers, bolus numbers, and duplicate data elements. A telemetry ID for the transmitting device may be implicitly embedded in the message as part of the validation code that is sent with the message and that must be pre-known by the receiver to confirm the integrity of the received message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6659948
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20030212441
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Starkweather, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6585644
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6564105
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Starkweather, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20030050535
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Sam W. Bowman, Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20030028079
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert