Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Ries

Andrew J. Ries 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: 8065007
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a housing having a first shield having an outwardly extending first flange and a second shield having an outwardly extending second flange. The first flange is fixedly engaged with the second flange along a seal to form a housing flange extending outward from the housing, and a surround shroud, having first recessed portions for receiving the housing flange when the shroud is positioned about the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Randy S. Roles
  • Patent number: 8062074
    Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having a first inner surface forming a connector bore, an outer surface defining a fill port for receiving an adhesive, and a second inner surface defining a channel extending from the fill port to the first inner surface forming the connector bore; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members. An adhesive is disposed in the channel and seals the outer surface of the sealing member to the inner surface forming the connector bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, James Michael Iknayan, Thomas J. Olson, George Patras, John D. Longtin
  • Patent number: 8032221
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. In an example, the implantable medical device header is provided with a lead bore and a setscrew bore with the setscrew bore having a longitudinal axis that extends in a transverse direction to, and in communication with, the lead bore. In one example, the setscrew bore intersects with the lead bore at a location that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the lead bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Lovins, Randy S. Roles
  • Publication number: 20110190833
    Abstract: This disclosure includes an implantable medical device comprising: a housing; at least one module enclosed within the housing and configured to at least one of generate an electrical stimulation therapy for delivery to a patient or monitor a physiological parameter of the patient; one or more feedthroughs extending through the housing; a header assembly including one or more electrical connectors electrically coupled to the module via the feedthroughs; and a preformed gasket compressed between the housing and the header assembly forming a seal to electrically isolate the feedthroughs from an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, David B. Engmark, John E. Kast, Jean-Francois Fischer
  • Patent number: 7988497
    Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, George Patras, Thomas J. Olson
  • Patent number: 7968226
    Abstract: A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Aamodt, Franise D. Bartley, Steve M. Bruesehoff, Kurt J. Casby, David P. Haas, Karl E. Hokanson, Thomas M. Nutzman, Andrew J. Ries, Scott J. Robinson, Randy S. Roles, Sonja K. Somdahl, Walter C. Sunderland, Jason T. Papenfuss, William J. Farrell, Kimberly A. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 7966070
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for an electrical device that employs a feedthrough including a hermetic seal that seals an interior region of the electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical contact disposed within the interior region of the electrical device, and a wire terminal that includes an encircled portion that is encircled by the feedthrough, and a first end that electrically connects with said electrical contact. When the electrical device is constructed, the first end of the wire terminal is coated with a conductive metal that is more resistant to oxidation than the wire terminal. The first end of the wire terminal is secured to the electrical contact using a mechanical device such as a crimping connector or a spring connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Lynn M. Seifried, William D. Wolf, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Kast
  • Publication number: 20110029027
    Abstract: Structures and methods relating to electrodes for incorporation into a feedthrough with a profile adapted for subcutaneous sensing of physiologic and cardiac signals. Electrode assemblies are adapted for integration with feedthroughs and provide reliable insulation from the implantable medical device housing. Various structures and manufacturing processes are implemented to provide a large sensing surface with a low profile. The subcutaneous sensing electrode assembly can provide a leadless sensing system and further enhances installation and follow-up procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, David J. Saltzman, Randy S. Roles, Scott J. Robinson, David B. Engmark, John Eric Lovins
  • Publication number: 20110014807
    Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having a first inner surface forming a connector bore, an outer surface defining a fill port for receiving an adhesive, and a second inner surface defining a channel extending from the fill port to the first inner surface forming the connector bore; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members. An adhesive is disposed in the channel and seals the outer surface of the sealing member to the inner surface forming the connector bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, George Patras, Thomas J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100304592
    Abstract: A connector assembly of a medical electrical device includes a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein at least one contact of the plurality of electrical contacts includes an electrical coupling receptacle. The electrical coupling receptacle of the at least one contact includes a first portion, which is adapted to receive a connector element of a medical electrical lead, and a second portion, in which a part of a feedthrough member extends, and to which the part of the feedthrough member is fixedly coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
  • Publication number: 20100285697
    Abstract: A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Zart, Brian R. Burwick, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Nicholson, Jay Lahti, Gregory A. Theis
  • Publication number: 20100275744
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John Eric Lovins
  • Publication number: 20100275745
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Eric John Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John Eric Lovins
  • Publication number: 20100275743
    Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a handle, drive shaft member, and a torque wrench tool interface. The handle is coupled to the drive shaft member. The torque wrench tool end is coupled to the drive shaft member. The torque wrench tool end includes a plurality of prongs configured to engage an external tool end of a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Lovins, Kathleen P. Macke, Randy S. Roles
  • Publication number: 20100249870
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. In an example, the implantable medical device header is provided with a lead bore and a setscrew bore with the setscrew bore having a longitudinal axis that extends in a transverse direction to, and in communication with, the lead bore. In one example, the setscrew bore intersects with the lead bore at a location that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the lead bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Wengreen, Andrew J. Ries, 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: 20100249871
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. An example setscrew has a metal core with an insulative coating disposed over the core to electrically isolate it from body fluids and surrounding tissue. In another example, the setscrew incorporates a sealing capability by including a sealing member that is coupled to the setscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Eric J. Wengreen, John E. Lovins, Randy S. Roles, Michael R. Klardie, Thomas I. Ceballos
  • Publication number: 20100240253
    Abstract: A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Medltronic Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
  • Publication number: 20100204740
    Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, George Patras, Thomas J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100197174
    Abstract: A connector assembly for detachably connecting a lead to an implantable medical device and an implantable medical device capable of being detachably connected to a lead that include one or more deflectable connector clip and a housing. The connector clip includes a first arm, a second arm, and a top portion extending between the first arm and the second arm, and is capable of being deflected from a first position, corresponding to a first relative position of the first arm and the second arm, to a second position corresponding to a second relative position of the first arm and the second arm. The housing includes a first member and a second member, the first member formed to be fixedly engaged with the second member to enclose the connector clip within the housing with the one or more connector clip being positioned within one of the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Lahti, Andrew J. Ries, Scott Forsythe