Patents by Inventor Bernard Q. Li

Bernard Q. Li 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: 20140130565
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to wires that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a wire may include a core formed of a material having a resistivity of less than 25 micro-ohm-cm and a layer of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy surrounding the core. As one example, the beta titanium alloy has an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprises at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. In one embodiment, the core may be formed of silver, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, palladium, or a palladium alloy. In some examples, one or more wires may be incorporated into a coil or a cable and one or more such coils or cables may be carried by a medical device such as a medical electrical lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang
  • Patent number: 8660662
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to wires that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a wire may include a core formed of a material having a resistivity of less than 25 micro-ohm-cm and a layer of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy surrounding the core. As one example, the beta titanium alloy has an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprises at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. In one embodiment, the core may be formed of silver, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, palladium, or a palladium alloy. In some examples, one or more wires may be incorporated into a coil or a cable and one or more such coils or cables may be carried by a medical device such as a medical electrical lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang
  • Patent number: 8639352
    Abstract: A filar includes an inner conductive core that is formed of a low-resistivity material such as silver having a resistivity of less than 20 ?? per centimeter. A conductive coil is provided around the core to form a filar. This coil is formed of a biocompatible alloy or super alloy having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of between 150 kilo pounds per square inch (ksi) and 280 ksi at room temperature. Examples of such alloys include CoCrMo, CoFeCrMo, and CoFeNiCrMo. In one specific embodiment, the alloy is MP35N (CoNiCrMo), which may be low-titanium (“low-ti”) MP35N. One or more such filars may be included within a wire. This wire may be carried by an implantable medical apparatus such as a lead, lead extension, or catheter. The wire may electrically couple elements such as connector electrodes to conducting electrodes or sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Wang, Bernard Q. Li
  • Publication number: 20130126474
    Abstract: The invention describes a process to remove a recast layer and/or burrs from machining processes to provide a surface of a titanium medical device without dissipation of copper or zinc from the surface of the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Alan Shi, Bernard Q. Li, Daniel D. Sorensen, Darren A. Janzig
  • Patent number: 8430651
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including a two piece actuator member which comprises a monocrystaline piston and a magnetizable pole. The monocrystalline piston is positioned within a piston channel having a surface having a titanium-oxide layer. The monocrystalline piston is selectively movable within the piston bore to permit intake and output of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elmouelhi, Bernard Q. Li, James M. Haase
  • Patent number: 8401648
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing having frame with one or more openings. The openings of the frame are covered with a thin metallic foil that is welded to the frame to provide a hermetic seal. Non-conductive members may be placed in or about the openings to provide a backing or structural support for the metallic foil. By decreasing the mass of conductive material capable of forming eddy currents, improved recharge or telemetry performance may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Reginald D. Robinson, Randy S. Roles, Bernard Q. Li
  • Patent number: 8380311
    Abstract: A housing for an implantable medical device includes a first portion formed from a first material and a second portion formed from a second material. The first material and the second material comprise titanium and the first material has a higher resistivity than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, John J. Grevious, Timothy J. Davis, Leroy Perz, Chris J. Paidosh
  • Patent number: 8340759
    Abstract: Techniques related to coils for medical device are disclosed. One example coil may comprise multiple filars, each being formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. At least one of the multiple filars may be electrically insulated one from another. A structural body, such as a lead body, may carry the coil. One or more filars may carry a low-resistance core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. McIntyre, Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang, Shangqian P. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120271381
    Abstract: Techniques related to coils for medical device are disclosed. One example coil may comprise multiple filars, each being formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. At least one of the multiple filars may be electrically insulated one from another. A structural body, such as a lead body, may carry the coil. One or more filars may carry a low-resistance core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Peter B. Mclntyre, Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang, Shangqian P. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120271386
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to cables that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a cable may comprise multiple wires. Each wire may be formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements selected from a group of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. The cable may be heated to a stress-relieve temperature of the beta titanium alloy to allow the cable to retain a desired configuration while remaining ductile. The cable may be included within a medical device, such as a medical electrical lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang
  • Publication number: 20120271385
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to wires that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a wire may include a core formed of a material having a resistivity of less than 25 micro-ohm-cm and a layer of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy surrounding the core. As one example, the beta titanium alloy has an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprises at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. In one embodiment, the core may be formed of silver, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, palladium, or a palladium alloy. In some examples, one or more wires may be incorporated into a coil or a cable and one or more such coils or cables may be carried by a medical device such as a medical electrical lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, Ling Wang
  • 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: 20120053514
    Abstract: A therapeutic fluid delivery device that includes at least one controllable valve is generally described. In one example, an implantable therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a first fluid pathway configured to convey a first therapeutic fluid and a second fluid pathway configured to convey a second therapeutic fluid, the second fluid pathway being separate from the first fluid pathway. The therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a valve connected to the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway, and a processor configured to control actuation of the value to open and close the first fluid pathway and to open and close the second fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, Mary E. Robischon, Bernard Q. Li, Irfan Z. Ali, Steven R. Christenson, Keith A. Miesel
  • Publication number: 20110172646
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including a two piece actuator member which comprises a monocrystaline piston and a magnetizable pole. The monocrystalline piston is positioned within a piston channel having a surface having a titanium-oxide layer. The monocrystalline piston is selectively movable within the piston bore to permit intake and output of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elmouelhi, Bernard Q. Li, James M. Haase
  • Publication number: 20100256718
    Abstract: A filar includes an inner conductive core that is formed of a low-resistivity material such as silver having a resistivity of less than 20 ?? per centimeter. A conductive coil is provided around the core to form a filar. This coil is formed of a biocompatible alloy or super alloy having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of between 150 kilo pounds per square inch (ksi) and 280 ksi at room temperature. Examples of such alloys include CoCrMo, CoFeCrMo, and CoFeNiCrMo. In one specific embodiment, the alloy is MP35N (CoNiCrMo), which may be low-titanium (“low-ti”) MP35N. One or more such filars may be included within a wire. This wire may be carried by an implantable medical apparatus such as a lead, lead extension, or catheter. The wire may electrically couple elements such as connector electrodes to conducting electrodes or sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Wang, Bernard Q. Li
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080294207
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing having frame with one or more openings. The openings of the frame are covered with a thin metallic foil that is welded to the frame to provide a hermetic seal. Non-conductive members may be placed in or about the openings to provide a backing or structural support for the metallic foil. By decreasing the mass of conductive material capable of forming eddy currents, improved recharge or telemetry performance may be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Reginald D. Robinson, Randy S. Roles, Bernard Q. Li
  • Publication number: 20080103543
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing comprising a titanium alloy selected from the group consisting of Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo-0.15O, Ti-4Al-2.5V-1.5Fe-0.25O, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo, Ti-3Al-2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, John J. Grevious, Timothy J. Davis, Leroy Perz, Chris J. Paidosh, John E. Kast, Keith A. Miesel, Darren A. Janzig, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20080103556
    Abstract: A housing for an implantable medical device includes a first portion formed from a first material and a second portion formed from a second material. The first material and the second material comprise titanium and the first material has a higher resistivity than the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Bernard Q. Li, John J. Grevious, Timothy J. Davis, Leroy Perz, Chris J. Paidosh