Patents by Inventor Ralph B. Danzl
Ralph B. Danzl 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).
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Patent number: 9839783Abstract: Magnetic field detectors include a proof mass suspended by deformable arms similar to a three dimensional accelerometer. The magnetic field detectors further include magnetically sensitive material present on the proof mass and/or deformable arms to cause movement of the proof mass and/or deformable arms when in the presence of a magnetic field. This movement is converted to an electrical signal and that electrical signal is compared to a reference to determine if a magnetic field of interest is present. The magnetic field detector may be included within an implantable medical device, and when the magnetic field detector indicates that a magnetic field of an MRI scanner is present, the implantable medical device may switch to an MRI mode of operation. The device may also switch back to a normal mode of operation once the MRI scanner is no longer detected such as after a predefined amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Randal C. Schulhauser, Ralph B. Danzl, Sharon Kohanna Murray, Michael F. Mattes
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Publication number: 20160023002Abstract: Magnetic field detectors include a proof mass suspended by deformable arms similar to a three dimensional accelerometer. The magnetic field detectors further include magnetically sensitive material present on the proof mass and/or deformable arms to cause movement of the proof mass and/or deformable arms when in the presence of a magnetic field. This movement is converted to an electrical signal and that electrical signal is compared to a reference to determine if a magnetic field of interest is present. The magnetic field detector may be included within an implantable medical device, and when the magnetic field detector indicates that a magnetic field of an MRI scanner is present, the implantable medical device may switch to an MRI mode of operation. The device may also switch back to a normal mode of operation once the MRI scanner is no longer detected such as after a predefined amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Randal C. Schulhauser, Ralph B. Danzl, Sharon Kohanna Murray, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 9171721Abstract: Techniques are described for directly bonding different substrates together. In some examples, a technique includes placing a first surface of a first substrate in contact with a second surface of a second substrate to directly bond the first substrate to the second substrate at a contact location. The contact location is defined where at least a portion of the first surface of the first substrate contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the second substrate. The technique may also include directing a laser beam on at least a portion of the contact location to strengthen the direct bond between the first substrate and the second substrate. In this manner, a direct bond may be heated with localized laser energy to strengthen the direct bond. Localized laser energy may create a strong direct bond while minimizing thermal defects in regions proximate the direct bond.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ralph B. Danzl, David A. Ruben, Michael S. Sandlin
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Patent number: 8389331Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Publication number: 20120311855Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 8263436Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Publication number: 20120100318Abstract: Techniques are described for directly bonding different substrates together. In some examples, a technique includes placing a first surface of a first substrate in contact with a second surface of a second substrate to directly bond the first substrate to the second substrate at a contact location. The contact location is defined where at least a portion of the first surface of the first substrate contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the second substrate. The technique may also include directing a laser beam on at least a portion of the contact location to strengthen the direct bond between the first substrate and the second substrate. In this manner, a direct bond may be heated with localized laser energy to strengthen the direct bond. Localized laser energy may create a strong direct bond while minimizing thermal defects in regions proximate the direct bond.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Ralph B. Danzl, David A. Ruben, Michael S. Sandlin
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Publication number: 20120064670Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 8111118Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P. M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 8072056Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Publication number: 20100314733Abstract: Apparatus and methods to protect circuitry from moisture ingress, e.g., using a metallic structure as part of a moisture ingress barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Mueller, Geoffrey Batchelder, Ralph B. Danzl, Paul F. Gerrish, Anna J. Malin, Trevor D. Marrott, Michael F. Mattes
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Publication number: 20100155204Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P.M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 7688166Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P. M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 7477943Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a medical device. An implantable medical device includes a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer, and a power transistor. The epitaxial layer overlies the semiconductor substrate. The power transistor is formed in the epitaxial layer and includes a first electrode, a control electrode, and a second electrode. The power transistor has a voltage breakdown greater than 100 volts. The current flow of the power transistor is vertical through the epitaxial layer to the semiconductor substrate. A backside contact couples to the first electrode of the power transistor. A method of manufacturing a medical device includes a power transistor formed in an epitaxial layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. A deep trench is etched through the epitaxial layer exposing the semiconductor substrate. A first electrode contact region couples to an exposed area of the semiconductor substrate in the deep trench.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ralph B. Danzl, Mark R. Boone, Paul F. Gerrish, Michael F. Mattes, Tyler Mueller, Jeff Van Wagoner
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Patent number: 7211494Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods for fabricating semiconductor structures are provided. The method comprises forming a first insulating layer having a substantially planar surface overlying a first conductive layer of an interconnect stack. A thin film resistor is formed overlying the first insulating layer and a second insulating layer is deposited overlying the first insulating layer and the resistor. A portion of the second insulating layer is removed to form a substantially planar surface. The second insulating layer is anisotropically etched to form a first via to the first conductive layer and a fill material comprising tungsten is deposited within the first via. The second insulating layer is wet etched to form a second via to the thin film resistor and a second conductive layer is deposited overlying the second insulating layer and within the second via.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Ralph B Danzl
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Patent number: 7190245Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P. M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 7142921Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an accelerometer. The apparatus includes first, second, and third substrates. The first substrate includes the first plate of a first capacitor. The second substrate includes a moveable mass that is coupled to the second substrate by at least one spring. The moveable mass is the second plate of the first capacitor and the first plate of a second capacitor. The third substrate includes the second plate of the second capacitor. The moveable mass is prevented from moving in any direction where the at least one spring is inelastically flexed. The first substrate couples to the second substrate. The third substrate couples to the second substrate. The method includes forming a moveable mass in a substrate. The moveable mass is formed having a plurality of springs coupling the moveable mass to the substrate. The moveable mass is released using a dry etch.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Ralph B. Danzl, Andreas A. Fenner, Lary R. Larson
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Patent number: 6821342Abstract: A method for forming a suspended microstructure is provided. The method includes providing a monocrystalline target substrate and subjecting the surface of the monocrystalline target substrate to ion implantation to form a microstructure layer at the surface of the monocrystalline target substrate. An epitaxial material layer is formed overlying the microstructure layer. A handle substrate is provided and a patterned interposed material layer is provided between the epitaxial material layer and the handle substrate. The epitaxial material layer, the patterned interposed material layer and the handle substrate are affixed. The method further includes thermally treating the monocrystalline target substrate to effect separation between the microstructure layer and a remainder of the monocrystalline target substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Ralph B. Danzl
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Publication number: 20040216988Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P.M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
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Patent number: 6793830Abstract: A method for forming a microstructure from a substrate is provided. The method includes providing a monocrystalline substrate having a (100) orientation and subjecting a first portion of the substrate to ion bombardment to effect ion implantation to a desired penetration depth. A second portion of the substrate is etched to a depth at least as great as the desired penetration depth. The substrate then is thermally treated to form a microstructure at a surface of the substrate and to effect at least partial separation between the microstructure and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Ralph B. Danzl