Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Thom

Andrew J. Thom 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: 20140243942
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating ceramic ring. An electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings to the insulating ceramic ring in axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Christopher J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 8751002
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating ceramic ring. An electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings to the insulating ceramic ring in axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Christopher J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 8639341
    Abstract: Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Louis Sommer, Joseph Michael D'Sa, Joyce K Yamamoto, Brad C Tischendorf, James D Reinke, Andrew J Thom, Thomas P Miltich, William John Taylor, Kenneth C Gardeski, Larry Earl Tyler, Jeffrey O York, Gordon O Munns
  • Publication number: 20130325086
    Abstract: Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Louis Sommer, Joseph Michael D'Sa, Joyce K. Yamamoto, Brad C. Tischendorf, James D. Reinke, Andrew J. Thom, Thomas P. Miltich, William John Taylor, Kenneth C. Gardeski, Larry Earl Tyler, Jeffrey O. York, Gordon O. Munns
  • Publication number: 20130230424
    Abstract: Feedthrough assemblies and methods of manufacturing feedthrough assemblies are provided. Methods include molding a ferrule comprising titanium using metal injection molding and positioning the ferrule about at least a portion of an insulator, the insulator comprising alumina. Methods also include overmolding a ferrule about at least a portion of an insulator using metal injection molding, the ferrule comprising titanium and the insulator comprising alumina. Sintering densifies the ferrule and provides a hermetic seal between the ferrule and insulator. The insulator may be fired or unfired prior to sintering of the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus W. Reiterer, Brad C. Tischendorf, Andrew J. Thom
  • Patent number: 8509899
    Abstract: Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Louis Sommer, Joseph Michael D'Sa, Joyce K. Yamamoto, Brad C. Tischendorf, James D. Reinke, Andrew J. Thom, Thomas P. Miltich, William John Taylor, Kenneth C. Gardeski, Larry Earl Tyler, Jeffrey O. York, Gordon O. Munns
  • Publication number: 20120165902
    Abstract: Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: John Louis Sommer, Joseph Michael D'Sa, Joyce K. Yamamoto, Brad C. Tischendorf, James D. Reinke, Andrew J. Thom, Thomas P. Miltich, William John Taylor, Kenneth C. Gardeski, Larry Earl Tyler, Jeffrey O. York, Gordon O. Munns
  • Patent number: 8192418
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, David D. Differding, James A. Johnson, Bernard Q. Li, Gerald G. Lindner, Brad C. Tischendorf, Andrew J. Thom
  • Publication number: 20120116470
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating glass material. The electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings in axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. KAST, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110270330
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by an electrically insulating ring and in axial alignment. The electrically conducting contact ring and the insulating ring having an interface bond on an atomic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren A. Janzig, Andrew J. Thom, Chris J. Paidosh, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110184479
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating glass material. The electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings in axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. KAST, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110184480
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating ceramic ring. An electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings to the insulating ceramic ring in axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110106205
    Abstract: A feedthrough assembly, as well as a method of forming a feedthrough assembly, including a metallic ferrule, and a biocompatible, non-conductive, high-temperature, co-fired insulator engaged with the metallic ferrule at an interface between the ferrule and the insulator. The insulator includes a first surface at the interface and a second surface internal to the insulator. At least one conductive member may be disposed at the second surface, wherein at least the first surface of the insulator is devoid of surface cracks greater than 30 ?m. The first surface of the insulator may also be devoid of a surface roughness greater than 0.5 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Markus W. Reiterer, Andrew J. Thom, Lea A. Nygren, William D. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20110106228
    Abstract: A method for making a feedthrough assembly for an implantable electronic medical device comprises providing a metallic ferrule having an outer surface and an aperture defined by an inner lumen surface; providing an insulator, the insulator having a first surface and a second surface. At least one of the first surface and the second surface of the insulator includes a brazing region disposed thereon. The braze material is applied to the brazing region and the insulator is positioned within or around the metallic ferrule such that the positioned insulator brazing region and the metallic ferrule outer surface or inner lumen surface defines a braze gap. The braze gap has a width ranging between 10 ?m to 50 ?m. The feedthrough assembly is then heated at a temperature conducive to melt the braze material in the braze gap thereby forming a hermetic seal between the ferrule and said insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus W. Reiterer, Andrew J. Thom
  • Publication number: 20100230392
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device includes a first functional module of a medical device, a second functional module of the medical device, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the first functional module, and a radiant energy source that emits a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to perform a manufacturing process on the first functional module and the second functional module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, David D. Differding, James A. Johnson, Bernard Q. Li, Gerald G. Lindner, Brad C. Tischendorf, Andrew J. Thom
  • Publication number: 20100234825
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, David D. Differding, James A. Johnson, Bernard Q. Li, Gerald G. Linder, Brad C. Tischendorf, Andrew J. Thom
  • Patent number: 5779823
    Abstract: A titanium silicide material based on Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 intermetallic compound exhibits substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures. In particular, carbon is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.6 weight % C) effective to impart substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures, such as about 1000.degree. C. Boron is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.3 weight % B) to this same end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Thom, Mufit Akinc
  • Patent number: 5693289
    Abstract: A titanium silicide material based on Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 intermetallic compound exhibits substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures. In particular, carbon is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.6 weight % C) effective to impart substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures, such as about 1000.degree. C. Boron is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.3 weight % B) to this same end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Thom, Mufit Akinc
  • Patent number: 5580518
    Abstract: A titanium silicide material based on Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 intermetallic compound exhibits substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures. In particular, carbon is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.6 weight % C) effective to impart substantially improved oxidative stability at elevated temperatures, such as about 1000.degree. C. Boron is added to a Ti.sub.5 Si.sub.3 base material in an amount (e.g. about 0.3 to about 3.3 weight % B) to this same end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Thom, Mufit Akinc