Patents by Inventor James G. Skakoon

James G. Skakoon 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: 20130245735
    Abstract: An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, James M. Olsen, Chad Q. Cai, Richard T. Stone, James G. Skakoon, Kristin J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130245736
    Abstract: An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, James M. Olsen, Chad Q. Cai, Richard T. Stone, James G. Skakoon, Kristin J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130208558
    Abstract: A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Biolyph LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pearcy, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 8433422
    Abstract: An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, James M. Olsen, Chad Q. Cai, Richard T. Stone, James G. Skakoon, Kristin J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8381721
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a dose container assembly having a dose container disk with opposing upper and lower surfaces, a first row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a first radius and a second row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a second radius. The dose containers have dry powder therein and are sealed via a first flexible sealant over apertures in the upper surface and a second flexible sealant over apertures in the lower surface. A piercing mechanism includes two reciprocating piercers that serially alternate between the two rows of dose containers in the dose container disk. A rotatable ramp disk includes first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart ramp elements in staggered, concentric relationship that are configured to move the first and second piercing members between retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Thoe, James G. Skakoon, David A. Schuelke, Thomas W. Ruckdeschel, David Harris, Scott Alexander Lewis, Andrew Murray Gow, Jonathan David Tuckwell
  • Publication number: 20130006049
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Justin H. Huelman, Carrie L. Herman, Kari A. Jagger, Michael A. Knipfer, John R. Frigstad, Robert E. Lund, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 8329119
    Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Biolyph, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pearcy, James G. Skakoon
  • Publication number: 20120201726
    Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Biolyph, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pearcy, James G. Skakoon
  • Publication number: 20120046574
    Abstract: A device for collecting oral fluid includes a mouthpiece with a fluid inlet connected to a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a collecting vessel, a venting outlet, and an access port. The venting outlet may be covered by a liquid-impervious or resistant membrane, such as a hydrophobic membrane, and the access port is suitable for removing some or all of the collected fluid. This arrangement allows a saliva donor to continuously spit saliva and blow air into the closed collection chamber, without pressure build-up in the collection chamber, and without the need for the donor to release from the device until the desired oral fluid volume is collected. A valve, including a check valve may be in the saliva flow stream and baffles and structure creating a tortuous path may be utilized to keep saliva away from the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: REFLEX MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventor: James G. SKAKOON
  • Publication number: 20110238040
    Abstract: A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse, and a separate tubular tip member forming the catheter distal tip. The catheter may further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Johnson, Matthew H. Adams, James G. Skakoon
  • Publication number: 20110215116
    Abstract: A container for dispensing food products can include a clump decimator portion for breaking up food clumps. In one embodiment, a container comprises a container portion having an open interior and an open top and a cover for selectively covering the open top. The cover can include a cover base portion and a rotatable top portion configured to be coupled on top of the base portion. The cover base portion can include a plurality of dispensing apertures for allowing a food product to be dispensed therethrough. The rotatable top portion can be selectively rotatable relative to the cover base portion and the container portion. The clump decimator portion can extend downwardly and radially from the top portion through the cover base portion and into the container portion. The clump decimator can rotate as the rotatable top portion is rotated to agitate the contents of the container portion while they are being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Federal Molding Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Fuller, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 7976530
    Abstract: A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse, and a separate tubular tip member forming the catheter distal tip. The catheter may further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Johnson, Matthew H. Adams, James G. Skakoon
  • Publication number: 20110127294
    Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir, The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a specified amount of a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to hold the specified amount of the reagent mixture and dispense the specified amount of the reagent mixture from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Biolyph, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pearcy, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 7931643
    Abstract: A miniature drug delivery pump utilizes a shape memory Ni—Ti alloy. A flow restrictor is provided and the pump is refillable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Mark S. Lent, James G. Skakoon, Richard T. Stone, Laetitia Mayor, Dale F. Seeley, Michael T. Hegland
  • Publication number: 20110022059
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: Medtronic, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Robert Wharen, Matthew S. Solar, Kari Parmer, Rudy A. Mazzocchi, John David, Frank Murdock, David Hatcher, Thomas I. Miller, Timothy Alan Parmer, Charles L. Truwit
  • Publication number: 20110022058
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: Medtronic, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Robert Wharen, Matthew S. Solar, Kari Parmer, Rudy A. Mazzocchi, John David, Frank Murdock, David Hatcher, Thomas I. Miller, Timothy Alan Parmer, Charles L. Truwit
  • Patent number: 7867242
    Abstract: This documents describes among other things a normalizing stage apparatus, tools and methods. One example includes a base that defines a trajectory. A first stage is moveably coupled to the base and the first stage moves along the trajectory. A second stage is moveably coupled to the first stage and moves an instrument coupled thereto with respect to the base and the first stage. Before movement of the instrument, the first and second stages are in first positions desired (e.g. predetermined) distances from a target area in the body. Another example includes the first stage and a guide tube stop coupled with the first stage. A guide tube is coupled with the guide tube stop and extends through a guide tube stop lumen. The guide tubes outer perimeter is dimensioned and configured to snugly couple with the surface defining the guide tube stop lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 7857820
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: Medtronic, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Robert Wharen, Matthew S. Solar, Kari Parmer, Rudy A. Mazzocchi, John David, Frank Murdock, David Hatcher, Thomas I. Miller, Timothy Alan Parmer, Charles L. Truwit
  • Patent number: 7833231
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Medtronic, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Robert Wharen, Matthew S. Solar, Kari Parmer, Rudy A. Mazzocchi, John David, Frank Murdock, David Hatcher, Thomas I. Miller, Timothy Alan Parmer, Charles L. Truwit
  • Patent number: 7828809
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Medtronic, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Robert Wharen, Matthew S. Solar, Kari Parmer, Rudy A. Mazzocchi, John David, Frank Murdock, David Hatcher, Thomas I. Miller, Timothy Alan Parmer, Charles L. Truwit