Patents by Inventor James Zimmerman

James Zimmerman 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: 8730032
    Abstract: Proper insertion of medical leads into medical devices is detected at the time the lead is being inserted. An external device initiates impedance testing by the medical device that is receiving the lead prior to the insertion of the lead being completed. The medical device reports back the results of the impedance testing so that the external device can determine whether the lead is properly inserted at the time of lead insertion and can provide an output to a user to indicate whether the lead insertion is proper. The medical device may poll only a last connector expected to be connected before responding, test other connector combinations before or after responding, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, James A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8712540
    Abstract: A system may include an active implantable medical device implantable in a body of a patient and a patient programmer for the AIMD. The patient programmer may be configured to obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility information relating to compatibility of the AIMD with an MRI modality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Gadagkar, James Zimmerman, James M. Olsen, Robyn L. Jagler, Timothy R. Abraham, Jeffrey R. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8676320
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead also includes first and second contacts located at the proximal portion of the lead body, and includes first and second electrodes located at the distal portion of the lead body. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first contact and the second electrode is electrically coupled to the second contact. The first contact has a proximal end and a distal end and the second contact has proximal end and a distal end. The second contact is radially spaced apart from the first contact. The contacts do not extend around the lead body. This disclosure also relates to an implantable lead extension and to an implatable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20140037295
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 8588935
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode. The electrodes are located at fixed positions along the length of the lead body, and the second and third electrodes are positioned between the first and fourth electrodes. The first electrode has a proximal end, the fourth electrode has a distal end, and the distance from the proximal end of the first electrode to the distal end of the fourth electrode is between 5 centimeters and 7 centimeters. The combined length of the second and third electrodes is between 2.5 and 5 times greater than the combined length of the first and fourth electrodes. The lead may be used for applying electrical signals to an occipital nerve of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8571411
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20130255783
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Runge, Jason Lester Hill, James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8444063
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Leo James Lichte, James Zimmerman, Jeff McKenzie, James T. Wright, III, Peter Janku
  • Patent number: 8401666
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes techniques for modifying therapy provided to a patient by a medical device. The techniques may be applicable to electrical stimulation therapy or other therapies. Modification of therapy may include adjustment of one or more therapy parameter values that define one or more characteristics of stimulation therapy delivered to a patient. The therapy modification may be based on activity of a patient that is detected by an IMD, such as a change in a detected posture state occupied by the patient. Different therapy modifications may be applied for different changes in detected posture state. An IMD may modify therapy based on a transition from one posture state to another posture state, and apply different modifications for different transitions. In some aspects, the modification may include a profile, such as a ramp up or ramp down in a parameter value over a period of time. The profile may be different for different posture transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan, Dennis Bourget, Duane Bourget, Keith A. Miesel, James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8342372
    Abstract: A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades. A cart which employs multiple transversely spaced mixing nozzles is employed to produce transversely spaced beads of adhesive as the cart is pushed along a surface. Part 1 adhesive component and part 2 adhesive component are independently pumped to mixing nozzles which dispense the adhesive in beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Handy & Harman
    Inventors: Stanley W. Choiniere, Joseph A. DeFilippo, Brett James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8331790
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The at least one optical transceiver is engaged to a clock, and the clock is in communication with the broadband over power line communications system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20120230696
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver, the optical transceiver including a light support and a processor. The light support has a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, the light emitting diodes receiving power from a power source. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector, the processor capable of illuminating the light emitting diodes to simultaneously create at least one first light signal, and at least one second light signal, the first light signal being observable to the unaided eyes of an individual and the second light signal not being observable to the unaided eyes of the individual. The second light signal includes at least one data packet. The at least one data packet comprises global positioning system (GPS) location information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20120189313
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20120189316
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The at least one optical transceiver is engaged to a clock, and the clock is in communication with the broadband over power line communications system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8188878
    Abstract: An LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver, the optical transceiver including a light support and a processor. The light support has a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, the light emitting diodes receiving power from a power source. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector, the processor capable of illuminating the light emitting diodes to simultaneously create at least one first light signal, and at least one second light signal, the first light signal being observable to the unaided eyes of an individual and the second light signal not being observable to the unaided eyes of the individual. The second light signal includes at least one data packet. The at least one data packet comprises global positioning system (GPS) location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Federal Law Enforcement Development Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pederson, Paul R. Brown, Timothy J. Vogt, James LeClaire, James Zimmerman, Brent Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20120048574
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, JR., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20120038477
    Abstract: Proper insertion of medical leads into medical devices is detected at the time the lead is being inserted. An external device initiates impedance testing by the medical device that is receiving the lead prior to the insertion of the lead being completed. The medical device reports back the results of the impedance testing so that the external device can determine whether the lead is properly inserted at the time of lead insertion and can provide an output to a user to indicate whether the lead insertion is proper. The medical device may poll only a last connector expected to be connected before responding, test other connector combinations before or after responding, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, James A. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110257717
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode. The electrodes are located at fixed positions along the length of the lead body, and the second and third electrodes are positioned between the first and fourth electrodes. The first electrode has a proximal end, the fourth electrode has a distal end, and the distance from the proximal end of the first electrode to the distal end of the fourth electrode is between 5 centimeters and 7 centimeters. The combined length of the second and third electrodes is between 2.5 and 5 times greater than the combined length of the first and fourth electrodes. The lead may be used for applying electrical signals to an occipital nerve of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: James A. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110172744
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to techniques for presenting therapy factors related to medical device therapy in a manner that allows a user, such as a patient or a clinician, to receive, comprehend and evaluate information relating to therapy delivered by the medical device efficiently. In one aspect, a method comprises obtaining a data set corresponding to a therapy factor associated with delivery of a medical therapy to a patient with a medical system including an implantable medical device, receiving a user selection associated with a subset of the data set, the subset of the data set including less than all the information relating to the therapy factor in the data set, and presenting a representation, corresponding to the subset of the data set, of the therapy factor on a display of a programmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Davis, Steven M. Goetz, James Zimmerman, Lynn A. Davenport, Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, David Simons