Patents by Inventor Eric V. Blaha

Eric V. Blaha 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: 8229568
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) communication system and associated method for controlling the telemetry link status between an IMD and associated programmer during a telemetry session are provided. The system includes control circuitry for detecting conditions during predetermined time intervals for determining if a telemetry session is active or inactive. If a telemetry session is determined to be inactive for a specified interval of time, the telemetry link may be terminated or converted to a low-output, stand-by mode. Patient or device identity verification may be required prior to allowing programmer-IMD communication. A patient alert signal may be generated in response to programmer-IMD communication occurring after a predetermined time of telemetry session inactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric V. Blaha, James H. Ericksen, Dean A. Hooper, Javid Masoud, James A. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20090182395
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) communication system and associated method for controlling the telemetry link status between an IMD and associated programmer during a telemetry session are provided. The system includes control circuitry for detecting conditions during predetermined time intervals for determining if a telemetry session is active or inactive. If a telemetry session is determined to be inactive for a specified interval of time, the telemetry link may be terminated or converted to a low-output, stand-by mode. Patient or device identity verification may be required prior to allowing programmer-IMD communication. A patient alert signal may be generated in response to programmer-IMD communication occurring after a predetermined time of telemetry session inactivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric V. Blaha, James H. Ericksen, Dean A. Hooper, Javaid Masoud, James A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7528094
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) communication system and associated method for controlling the telemetry link status between an IMD and associated programmer during a telemetry session are provided. The system includes control circuitry for detecting conditions during predetermined time intervals for determining if a telemetry session is active or inactive. If a telemetry session is determined to be inactive for a specified interval of time, the telemetry link may be terminated or converted to a low-output, stand-by mode. Patient or device identity verification may be required prior to allowing programmer-IMD communication. A patient alert signal may be generated in response to programmer-IMD communication occurring after a predetermined time of telemetry session inactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric V. Blaha, James H. Ericksen, Dean A. Hooper, Javaid Masoud, James A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7239916
    Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha
  • Patent number: 6968235
    Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, multi-polar, in-line connector system for use in connecting implantable medical devices (IMD) and associated non-standard, low profile medical electrical leads. In addition, the present invention provides a system that uses tool less, frictional, sealed, compressive electrical connections for most or all of the electrical interconnections between an IMD and a low profile lead. A protective sleeve seals the lead connector to the non-standard port to prevent intrusion of body fluids therein. In addition, optional microchip-based circuitry coupled to the sleeve enables wireless communication and remote programming for diverse IMDs. Memory associated with the circuitry can store, update and reprogram a wide variety of information relevant to the IMD, the patient, and the attending physician, among others. For example, the microchip may be used to identify the lead type and characteristics, as well as other useful data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Elisabeth L. Belden, Eric V. Blaha, Eric H. Bonde, Ryan Cobian, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Douglas N. Hess, Nels D. Nerison, John L. Sommer, David L. Thompson, Jonathan C. Werder
  • Publication number: 20040176822
    Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha
  • Publication number: 20040078067
    Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha
  • Patent number: 6675049
    Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha
  • Publication number: 20030018364
    Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, multi-polar, in-line connector system for use in connecting implantable medical devices (IMD) and associated non-standard, low profile medical electrical leads. In addition, the present invention provides a system that uses tool less, frictional, sealed, compressive electrical connections for most or all of the electrical interconnections between an IMD and a low profile lead. A protective sleeve seals the lead connector to the non-standard port to prevent intrusion of body fluids therein. In addition, optional microchip-based circuitry coupled to the sleeve enables wireless communication and remote programming for diverse IMDs. Memory associated with the circuitry can store, update and reprogram a wide variety of information relevant to the IMD, the patient, and the attending physician, among others. For example, the microchip may be used to identify the lead type and characteristics, as well as other useful data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Elisabeth L. Belden, Eric V. Blaha, Eric H. Bonde, Ryan Cobian, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Douglas N. Hess, Nels D. Nerison, John L. Sommer, David L. Thompson, Jonathan C. Werder
  • Publication number: 20030018369
    Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha