Patents by Inventor Richard A. Bruchmann

Richard A. Bruchmann 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).

  • Publication number: 20120215296
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, a header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device including a header having a capture mechanism within a bore of a lead retention device. In an example, when the lead retention device is retracted from the bore, the capture mechanism prevents the device from falling out. In another example, the header assembly has a vent disposed within the bore of the lead retention device that permits unrestricted flow of air when the lead retention device is retracted from an engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Eric J. Wengreen, Michael R. Klardie, Jennifer J. Zhao, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kathleen P. Macke, John E. Lovins, Randy S. Roles
  • Patent number: 8190260
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, a header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device including a header having a capture mechanism within a bore of a lead retention device. In an example, when the lead retention device is retracted from the bore, the capture mechanism prevents the device from falling out. In another example, the header assembly has a vent disposed within the bore of the lead retention device that permits unrestricted flow of air when the lead retention device is retracted from an engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Eric J. Wengreen, Michael R. Klardie, Jennifer J. Zhao, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kathleen P. Macke, John E. Lovins, Randy S. Roles
  • Publication number: 20100249869
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, a header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device including a header having a capture mechanism within a bore of a lead retention device. In an example, when the lead retention device is retracted from the bore, the capture mechanism prevents the device from falling out. In another example, the header assembly has a vent disposed within the bore of the lead retention device that permits unrestricted flow of air when the lead retention device is retracted from an engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Eric J. Wengreen, Michael R. Klardie, Jennifer J. Zhao, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kathleen P. Macke, John E. Lovins, Randy S. Roles
  • Publication number: 20100187206
    Abstract: A terminal platform comprising a first terminal block securable to a housing of the battery, a second terminal block configured to electrically connect to a terminal wire of the battery, and an insulating support electrically isolating the second terminal block from the first terminal block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Jennifer J. Zhao, Thomas Ceballos, James Strom, Richard A. Bruchmann, John E. Nicholson, Scott J. Robinson, Bernard F. Heller, JR.
  • Patent number: 7713656
    Abstract: A terminal platform comprising a first terminal block securable to a housing of the battery, a second terminal block configured to electrically connect to a terminal wire of the battery, and an insulating support electrically isolating the second terminal block from the first terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer J. Zhao, Thomas Ceballos, James Strom, Richard A. Bruchmann, John E. Nicholson, Scott J. Robinson, Bernard F. Heller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7257445
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an implantable medical device having a connector module that is welded to a housing. The apparatus comprises an implantable medical device that includes a housing and a connector module. The connector module includes an embedded fastener bracket with one or more weld tabs that are welded to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, Thomas Ceballos
  • Publication number: 20070182364
    Abstract: A terminal platform comprising a first terminal block securable to a housing of the battery, a second terminal block configured to electrically connect to a terminal wire of the battery, and an insulating support electrically isolating the second terminal block from the first terminal block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Jennifer Zhao, Thomas Ceballos, James Strom, Richard Bruchmann, John Nicholson, Scott Robinson, Bernard Heller
  • Publication number: 20060089680
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an implantable medical device that has a connector module that is welded to a housing. The apparatus comprises an implantable medical device that includes a housing and a connector module. The connector module includes an embedded fastener bracket with one or more weld tabs that are welded to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Bruchmann, Thomas Ceballos
  • Patent number: 6792312
    Abstract: An improved system and method for interconnecting an electrical device to a connector is provided. A connector assembly includes at least one connector block. The connector block may be of a type adapted to mechanically and electrically couple to an electrical lead, although any other type of connector for forming an electrical contact may be employed. The connector assembly further includes at least one weld plate. A conductor such as a wire is routed between the connector block and the weld plate and electrically coupled to both structures. The connector assembly is adapted to be fastened to a device housed within an enclosure, such as an implantable medical device residing within a can. A conductor extending from circuitry within the housing may be electrically coupled to the weld plate to thereby form an electrical connection between the circuitry and the connector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, George Patras, Edwin Rivera
  • Publication number: 20040147974
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Engmark, Thomas Ceballos, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kevin K. Tidemand, George Patras, Todd Schaefer, Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6721602
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Engmark, Thomas Ceballos, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kevin K. Tidemand, George Patras, Todd Schaefer, Robert L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030045911
    Abstract: An improved system and method for interconnecting an electrical device to a connector is provided. A connector assembly includes at least one connector block. The connector block may be of a type adapted to mechanically and electrically couple to an electrical lead, although any other type of connector for forming an electrical contact may be employed. The connector assembly further includes at least one weld plate. A conductor such as a wire is routed between the connector block and the weld plate and electrically coupled to both structures. The connector assembly is adapted to be fastened to a device housed within an enclosure, such as an implantable medical device residing within a can. A conductor extending from circuitry within the housing may be electrically coupled to the weld plate to thereby form an electrical connection between the circuitry and the connector block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, George Patras, Edwin Rivera
  • Publication number: 20030040779
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Engmark, Thomas Ceballos, Richard A. Bruchmann, Kevin K. Tidemand, George Patras, Todd Schaefer, Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6445948
    Abstract: An implantable medical device comprising a housing, a capacitor, an electronics module and a substantially flat battery. The capacitor is disposed within the housing. The electronics module is electrically connected to the capacitor and similarly disposed within the housing. The electronics module generally defines opposing front and rear faces, and is positioned such that the rear face is adjacent a wall of the housing. Finally, the battery is electrically connected to the electronics module and is positioned over the electronics module such that the battery is adjacent the front face of the electronics module. With this configuration, an overall shape and size of the implantable medical device is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonja K. Somdahl, Andrew J. Ries, Richard A. Bruchmann, John D. Norton
  • Patent number: 4897764
    Abstract: A metal heat spreading cup, hereinafter referred to as a "conductive cup module" ("CCM"), is utilized as part of the interface between at least one semiconductor being cooled and a pedestal, sometimes referred to as a "boss", coupled to a cooling medium. The semiconductor being cooled is, according to one embodiment of the invention, bonded to the underside of the cup. Furthermore, according to the invention, the pedestal is inserted into the cup and is bonded thereto by use of a deformable thermal conductive compound, (such as a thermal paste or grease) also inserted into and contained within the cup. The compound spreads upon being displaced by the inserted pedestal. The compound remains deformable during operation of the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Control Data Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, Richard B. Salmonson
  • Patent number: 4734041
    Abstract: An electrical power connector for PC boards or bus bars having low insertion force and low voltage drop across the connector. The connector features a female receptacle having a double set of opposing rows of multipoint spring contacts mating with a two-tiered male plug. The spring contacts make electrical contact to the tiers of the male plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Control Data Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, Michael D. Halvorsen