Patents by Inventor William C. Phillips

William C. Phillips 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: 20160354611
    Abstract: Medical devices include stimulation and/or sensing circuitry that is interconnected to electrical components by a flexible circuit body having exposed portions of circuit traces that are attached to electrical contacts of the electrical components. Each circuit trace may span a separate window formed in an insulative body of the flexible circuit body, or a plurality of circuit traces may span a single window or may be freely extending from the insulative body. The exposed portion of the circuit trace may be plated with a conductive metal and then attached to the electrical contact of the electrical component. The flexible circuit body may be an extension from a flexible electrical circuit board containing the circuit. The circuit may be present on a circuit board that includes electrical contacts and where the flexible circuit body has exposed portions of circuit traces attached to the electrical contacts of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gerald G. Lindner, William C. Phillips, Dominique Piguet, Daniel T. Pyne, Micah A. Litow, James Strom, Mark G. Wosmek
  • Patent number: 9463324
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Patent number: 9409031
    Abstract: Medical devices include stimulation and/or sensing circuitry that is interconnected to electrical components by a flexible circuit body having exposed portions of circuit traces that are attached to electrical contacts of the electrical components. Each circuit trace may span a separate window formed in an insulative body of the flexible circuit body, or a plurality of circuit traces may span a single window or may be freely extending from the insulative body. The exposed portion of the circuit trace may be plated with a conductive metal and then attached to the electrical contact of the electrical component. The flexible circuit body may be an extension from a flexible electrical circuit board containing the circuit. The circuit may be present on a circuit board that includes electrical contacts and where the flexible circuit body has exposed portions of circuit traces attached to the electrical contacts of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald G. Lindner, William C. Phillips, Dominique Piguet, Daniel T. Pyne, Micah A. Litow, James Strom, Mark G. Wosmek
  • Publication number: 20160164337
    Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Garrett R. Sipple, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9318916
    Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Garrett R. Sipple, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9248298
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex C. Toy, Steve J. Nelson, John W. Forsberg, Mark E. Schommer, David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Charles R. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9248299
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience. The patient programmer includes an internal antenna mounted on a first circuit board and a display mounted on a second circuit board. The first circuit board includes a substantially contiguous ground plane layer that is interrupted by two or more gaps. The patient programmer may also include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex C. Toy, John W. Forsberg, Mark E. Schommer, David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Charles R. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9216297
    Abstract: Techniques adapted for use with recharging a rechargeable power source of an implantable device. One aspect relates to providing a flexible primary coil that can be transcutaneously coupled to a secondary coil of the implantable device. Multiple adjacent turns of the coil are grouped via lacing to form bundles. The bundles have at least one dimension that is selected to be a same size as a predetermined thickness of the coil. In one embodiment, the dimension is a diameter of the bundle. In another embodiment, the dimension is at least one of a length or width of the bundle. Insulating overmolding may be provided over the coil. In one embodiment, the resulting antenna structure is bidirectional such that substantially the same performance characteristics are obtained during recharge regardless of which of two major surfaces of the antenna is placed in proximity to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Bruce D. Fishbeck, Thipphaphone Lougiu, Todd A. Kallmyer, Jay T. Eisch, David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Matthew C. Lukasek, Lonnie B. Gades
  • Publication number: 20150321015
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Patent number: 9108063
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Publication number: 20150115854
    Abstract: A variable frequency motor drive comprises a converter including a rectifier having an input for connection to an AC power source and converting the AC power to DC power. A DC bus is connected to the rectifier circuit. At least one bus capacitor is across the DC bus. An inverter receives DC power from the DC bus and converts the DC power to AC power to drive a motor. A controller is operatively connected to the converter. The controller comprises a speed control controlling the inverter responsive to a speed command to maintain a desired motor speed. A speed foldback control measures DC bus ripple voltage and regulates the speed command responsive to the measured DC bus ripple voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: YASKAWA AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Raymond Pottebaum, JOHN ALAN CAIRO, BRIAN W. GEOFFREY, WILLIAM C. PHILLIPS
  • Patent number: 8880184
    Abstract: A transcutaneous energy transfer system, method and kit for an implantable medical device having componentry for providing a therapeutic output and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the componentry and is adapted to be implanted at a location in a patient. An external power source has a primary coil contained in a housing. The external power source is capable of providing energy to the implantable medical device when the primary coil of the external power source is placed in proximity of the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. A holder is adapted to be externally positioned with respect to the patient at a spot in proximity of the location of the implantable medical device and secured at the location. A spacer, removably coupled to the holder, has an opening receiving the protrusion. A plurality of spacers can be used. The number is spacers is selectable based on the size of the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Phillips, Mark E. Schommer, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Publication number: 20140221767
    Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Garrett R. Sipple, Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20140213978
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Publication number: 20140200642
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead also includes first and second contacts located at the proximal portion of the lead body, and includes first and second electrodes located at the distal portion of the lead body. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first contact and the second electrode is electrically coupled to the second contact. The first contact has a proximal end and a distal end and the second contact has proximal end and a distal end. The second contact is radially spaced apart from the first contact. The contacts do not extend around the lead body. This disclosure also relates to an implantable lead extension and to an implantable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatright
  • Patent number: 8725262
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling
  • Patent number: 8712541
    Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Garrett R. Sipple, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8706255
    Abstract: A system for recharging an implantable medical device. The system comprises a holster that may be donned in multiple respective configurations for charging implanted medical devices implanted at various locations within the patient's body. The system may further comprise a charging unit having an antenna on the patient's right side, a second configuration for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on the patient's left side, or a third configuration for use as a waist belt for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on either side of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Phillips, Charles R. Lewis, Jr., Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe
  • Patent number: 8676320
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead also includes first and second contacts located at the proximal portion of the lead body, and includes first and second electrodes located at the distal portion of the lead body. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first contact and the second electrode is electrically coupled to the second contact. The first contact has a proximal end and a distal end and the second contact has proximal end and a distal end. The second contact is radially spaced apart from the first contact. The contacts do not extend around the lead body. This disclosure also relates to an implantable lead extension and to an implatable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Patent number: 8554322
    Abstract: Techniques for transcutaneous transferral of energy to an implantable medical device are disclosed. An embodiment includes a system comprising an implantable medical device having a secondary coil. An external device is provided to transcutaneously transfer energy to the secondary coil. The external device comprises a housing having a side adapted to be positioned in proximity to the secondary coil when the external device is transferring energy to the secondary coil. A temperature sensor is coupled to the side to determine a temperature indicative of heat to which the patient is being exposed during the transfer of energy. A control circuit is adapted to control the transfer of energy to the secondary coil based on the temperature. For instance, the control circuit may limit transfer of energy by controlling times at which transfer of energy occurs or controlling an amplitude of a signal within the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling