Patents by Inventor Seth M. Humphrys

Seth M. Humphrys 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: 11666767
    Abstract: A method of forming a medical device lead connection element is described. The method includes positioning an end portion of a lead filar to overlap a lead end connection element such that the positioning creates mutual interference between the lead filar and the lead end connection element, and forming an interference configuration. Then melting the end portion of the lead filar to form a weld joint and allowint the end portion of the lead filar to move towards the end connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Janzig, Robert J. Davies, Seth M. Humphrys, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20220379121
    Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a medical device such as an implantable medical lead. The medical lead may include: a lead body including an electrically conductive lead wire; an electrical contact on a proximal portion of the lead body, the electrical contact including a contact substrate; and an electrode on a distal portion of the lead body, the electrode including an electrode substrate, wherein the electrode substrate is electrically coupled to the contact substrate via the electrically conductive lead wire, wherein the lead wire is formed of a composition comprising titanium or titanium alloys, wherein the electrode substrate is formed of a first beta-titanium alloy, and wherein the contact substrate is formed of a second beta-titanium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, Richard T. Stone, Alan Shi, Seth M. Humphrys, Wen Tan, Nicholas D. Stepka
  • Patent number: 11154713
    Abstract: An implantable segmented electrode structure may be configured to conduct electrical signals between elongated conductors of an implantable medical lead and respective portions of tissue of a patient. The implantable medical lead may extend from an implantable medical device that is implanted within the patient. The segmented electrode structure includes a plurality of separate electrode surfaces. The electrode surfaces are at a plurality of different axial positions and angular positions within the implantable segmented electrode structure. The segmented electrode structure additionally includes a plurality of prongs. The prongs extend axially from a proximal end of the segmented electrode structure through the segmented electrode structure. Each prong may electrically connect to one of the electrode surfaces. The prongs may terminate distally at respective electrode surfaces. Each prong may be configured to electrically connect to one of the elongated conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Robert J. Davies, Seth M. Humphrys, Darren A. Janzig
  • Patent number: 11110284
    Abstract: A medical device lead connection assembly includes an end connector element including a plurality of fixed connection element tabs extending from the end connector element to a tab distal end. A lead body includes a plurality of lead filars extending through the lead body and coupled to a corresponding fixed connection tab. A tubular guide hub extends from a hub proximal end to a hub distal end. The tubular guide hub includes a plurality of guide elements circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the guide hub. The hub distal end is disposed within the lead body and the hub proximal end received within connection element tabs, and selected guide elements contact selected lead filars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Janzig, Robert J. Davies, Seth M. Humphrys, Richard T. Stone
  • Patent number: 10953233
    Abstract: A medical device lead assembly includes an end connector element having a plurality of fixed connection element tabs each respectively extending from the end connector element to a tab distal end, and a lead body having a plurality of lead filars extending through the lead body and forming a filar coil. Each of the plurality of lead filars is coupled to a corresponding fixed connection tab. Each of the plurality of lead filars have a diameter of less than 150 micrometers or less than 125 micrometers, or from 50 to 125 micrometers or from 50 to 100 micrometers. The filar coil having an outer diameter value being less than 1.5 mm and a first pitch within the lead body and a second pitch adjacent to the end connector element and the second pitch is greater than the first pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Janzig, Robert J. Davies, Seth M. Humphrys, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20200261713
    Abstract: A medical lead may be fabricated using an electrode fixture configured to facilitate circumferential and axial alignment between electrodes of the lead. In one example, a method may include positioning an electrode fixture around at least one conductor of a plurality of conductors for a medical lead, wherein the electrode fixture at least partially retains an electrode assembly. The method may also include electrically coupling a portion of the at least one conductor with at least a portion of the electrode assembly at an attachment area defined by the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is at least partially retained by the electrode fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Dale F. Seeley, Evan Mark Gustafson, Michael T. Hegland, Seth M. Humphrys, Darren A. Janzig, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 10549088
    Abstract: A medical lead may be fabricated using an electrode fixture ((130A)-(130D)) configured to facilitate circumferential and axial alignment between electrodes of the lead. In one example, a method includes positioning an electrode fixture around at least one conductor of a plurality of conductors (122) for a medical lead, wherein the electrode fixture at least partially retains an electrode assembly. The method also includes electrically coupling a portion of the at least one conductor with at least a portion of the electrode assembly at an attachment area defined by the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is at least partially retained by the electrode fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale F. Seeley, Evan Mark Gustafson, Michael T. Hegland, Seth M. Humphrys, Darren A. Janzig, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20190321630
    Abstract: An implantable segmented electrode structure may be configured to conduct electrical signals between elongated conductors of an implantable medical lead and respective portions of tissue of a patient. The implantable medical lead may extend from an implantable medical device that is implanted within the patient. The segmented electrode structure includes a plurality of separate electrode surfaces. The electrode surfaces are at a plurality of different axial positions and angular positions within the implantable segmented electrode structure. The segmented electrode structure additionally includes a plurality of prongs. The prongs extend axially from a proximal end of the segmented electrode structure through the segmented electrode structure. Each prong may electrically connect to one of the electrode surfaces. The prongs may terminate distally at respective electrode surfaces. Each prong may be configured to electrically connect to one of the elongated conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Robert J. Davies, Seth M. Humphrys, Darren A. Janzig
  • Publication number: 20190151665
    Abstract: A medical device lead assembly includes an end connector element having a plurality of fixed connection element tabs each respectively extending from the end connector element to a tab distal end, and a lead body having a plurality of lead filars extending through the lead body and forming a filar coil. Each of the plurality of lead filars is coupled to a corresponding fixed connection tab. Each of the plurality of lead filars have a diameter of less than 150 micrometers or less than 125 micrometers, or from 50 to 125 micrometers or from 50 to 100 micrometers. The filar coil having an outer diameter value being less than 1.5 mm and a first pitch within the lead body and a second pitch adjacent to the end connector element and the second pitch is greater than the first pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Darren JANZIG, Robert J. DAVIES, Seth M. HUMPHRYS, Richard T. STONE
  • Publication number: 20190151664
    Abstract: A medical device lead connection assembly includes an end connector element including a plurality of fixed connection element tabs extending from the end connector element to a tab distal end. A lead body includes a plurality of lead filars extending through the lead body and coupled to a corresponding fixed connection tab. A tubular guide hub extends from a hub proximal end to a hub distal end. The tubular guide hub includes a plurality of guide elements circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the guide hub. The hub distal end is disposed within the lead body and the hub proximal end received within connection element tabs, and selected guide elements contact selected lead filars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Darren JANZIG, Robert J. DAVIES, Seth M. HUMPHRYS, Richard T. STONE
  • Publication number: 20190117982
    Abstract: A method of forming a medical device lead connection element is described. The method includes positioning an end portion of a lead filar to overlap a lead end connection element such that the positioning creates mutual interference between the lead filar and the lead end connection element, and forming an interference configuration. Then melting the end portion of the lead filar to form a weld joint and allowint the end portion of the lead filar to move towards the end connection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Darren JANZIG, Robert J. DAVIES, Seth M. HUMPHRYS, Richard T. STONE
  • Patent number: 9954245
    Abstract: A mandrel for use in a battery assembly may include a positive mandrel portion and a negative mandrel portion. Each of the mandrel portions may include a connector element coupling region and an electrode coupling region. The connector element coupling region may be configured to be coupled to a connector element and the electrode coupling region may be configured to be coupled to an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jay T. Rassat, Michael J. Nidelkoff, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Seth M. Humphrys, Paul B. Aamodt, Steven J. May
  • Publication number: 20150372336
    Abstract: A mandrel for use in a battery assembly may include a positive mandrel portion and a negative mandrel portion. Each of the mandrel portions may include a connector element coupling region and an electrode coupling region. The connector element coupling region may be configured to be coupled to a connector element and the electrode coupling region may be configured to be coupled to an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jay T. RASSAT, Michael J. Nidelkoff, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Seth M. Humphrys, Paul B. Aamodt, Steven J. May
  • Patent number: 9130223
    Abstract: A mandrel for use in a battery assembly may include a positive mandrel portion and a negative mandrel portion. Each of the mandrel portions may include a connector element coupling region and an electrode coupling region. The connector element coupling region may be configured to be coupled to a connector element and the electrode coupling region may be configured to be coupled to an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay T. Rassat, Michael J. Nidelkoff, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Seth M. Humphrys, Paul B. Aamodt, Steven J. May
  • Patent number: 9083053
    Abstract: An electric storage battery including a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a mandrel. The mandrel includes a positive portion, a negative portion and a removable portion. The mandrel can be planar, having two faces with grooves on the positive and negative portions. The grooves are dimensioned to accommodate positive and negative feedthrough pins. The mandrel is welded to the feedthrough pins by using a laser beam incident on the opposite face of the mandrel from the face on which the grooves and pins are located. The laser beam melts the mandrel such that molten mandrel material fills the grooves welding the feedthrough pins in place. Electrodes are wrapped around the mandrel using the removable portion to wind the mandrel. The removable portion can be detached. The mandrel allows tighter wrapping of the jelly roll assembly and increasing battery miniaturization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth M. Humphrys
  • Patent number: 9005802
    Abstract: An electric storage battery including a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a mandrel. The mandrel includes a positive portion, negative portion and removable portion. The mandrel has two faces with grooves dimensioned to accommodate positive and negative feedthrough pins. Electrodes are welded to the mandrel using an ultrasonic weld to the face on which the electrodes are attached. An additional weld is made to at least one ultrasonic weld using a through-mandrel laser weld, incident on the opposite face from which the ultrasonic weld. The laser melts the mandrel such that molten mandrel material fills the area under the foil at the area of the ultrasonic weld, the surface area of the foil being significantly increased by knurls formed by ultrasonic welding. Electrodes are wrapped around the mandrel using the removable portion to wind the mandrel. The mandrel allows tighter wrapping of the jelly roll assembly increasing battery miniaturization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth M. Humphrys, David J. Buendorf, Hailing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130288116
    Abstract: A mandrel for use in a battery assembly may include a positive mandrel portion and a negative mandrel portion. Each of the mandrel portions may include a connector element coupling region and an electrode coupling region. The connector element coupling region may be configured to be coupled to a connector element and the electrode coupling region may be configured to be coupled to an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay T. Rassat, Michael J. Nidelkoff, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Seth M. Humphrys, Paul B. Aamodt, Steven J. May
  • Publication number: 20130164583
    Abstract: An electric storage battery including a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a mandrel. The mandrel includes a positive portion, a negative portion and a removable portion. The mandrel can be planar, having two faces with grooves on the positive and negative portions. The grooves are dimensioned to accommodate positive and negative feedthrough pins. The mandrel is welded to the feedthrough pins by using a laser beam incident on the opposite face of the mandrel from the face on which the grooves and pins are located. The laser beam melts the mandrel such that molten mandrel material fills the grooves welding the feedthrough pins in place. Electrodes are wrapped around the mandrel using the removable portion to wind the mandrel. The removable portion can be detached. The mandrel allows tighter wrapping of the jelly roll assembly and increasing battery miniaturization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Seth M. Humphrys
  • Publication number: 20130164582
    Abstract: An electric storage battery including a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a mandrel. The mandrel includes a positive portion, negative portion and removable portion. The mandrel has two faces with grooves dimensioned to accommodate positive and negative feedthrough pins. Electrodes are welded to the mandrel using an ultrasonic weld to the face on which the electrodes are attached. An additional weld is made to at least one ultrasonic weld using a through-mandrel laser weld, incident on the opposite face from which the ultrasonic weld. The laser melts the mandrel such that molten mandrel material fills the area under the foil at the area of the ultrasonic weld, the surface area of the foil being significantly increased by knurls formed by ultrasonic welding. Electrodes are wrapped around the mandrel using the removable portion to wind the mandrel. The mandrel allows tighter wrapping of the jelly roll assembly increasing battery miniaturization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Seth M. Humphrys, David J. Buendorf, Hailing Zhao