Patents by Inventor John E. Kast
John E. Kast 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: 8887619Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Kallmyer, John E. Kast, David P. Olson, Randy S. Roles, Venkat R. Gaddam
-
Publication number: 20140243942Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Christopher J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
-
Patent number: 8792984Abstract: A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
-
Publication number: 20140200642Abstract: 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 implantable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatright
-
Publication number: 20140163646Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a joint coupling the first housing portion to the second housing portion. A polymer enclosure member surrounds the joint and circumscribes the housing in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
-
Publication number: 20140163580Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Erik R. Scott, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei, Anthony M. Chasensky, Michael J. Ebert, Shawn C. Kelley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Richard T. Stone
-
Publication number: 20140163644Abstract: An external medical device generates a drive signal inductively coupled to an implantable coil from an external coil. A regulator module coupled to the implantable coil generates an output signal in response to the inductively coupled signal and a feedback signal correlated to an amplitude of the inductively coupled signal. A signal generator receives the output signal for generating a therapeutic electrical stimulation signal. The control module adjusts the drive signal in response to the feedback signal to control the electrical stimulation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Erik R. Scott, John E. Kast, Xuan K. Wei, Todd V. Smith, Joel A. Anderson, Forrest C.M. Pape, Duane L. Bourget, Timothy J. Denison, David A. Dinsmoor, Randy S. Roles, Stephen J. Roddy
-
Publication number: 20140163579Abstract: A medical device system for delivering a neuromodulation therapy includes a delivery tool for deploying an implantable medical device at a neuromodulation therapy site. The implantable medical device includes a housing, an electronic circuit within the housing, and an electrical lead comprising a lead body extending between a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing and at least one electrode carried by the lead body. The delivery tool includes a first cavity for receiving the housing and a second cavity for receiving the lead. The first cavity and the second cavity are in direct communication for receiving and deploying the housing and the lead coupled to the housing concomitantly as a single unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, EriK R. Scott, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei, Anthony M. Chasensky, Michael J. Ebert, Shawn C. Kelley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Richard T. Stone
-
Patent number: 8751002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Christopher J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
-
Patent number: 8676320Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
-
Publication number: 20140052225Abstract: A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
-
Publication number: 20130106347Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to a flexible coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the flexible coil. The flexible coil may be configured to at least one of transmit energy to or receive energy from a second coil, and the phase change material may be configured to deform with the flexible coil and absorb heat from the flexible coil. The phase change material may be contained within thermally conductive tubes or channels configured in shapes that promote flexibility of the flexible coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Todd A. Kallmyer, John E. Kast, David P. Olson, Randy S. Roles, Venkat R. Gaddam
-
Publication number: 20130105115Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Kallmyer, John E. Kast, David P. Olson, Randy S. Roles, Venkat R. Gaddam
-
Patent number: 8412330Abstract: A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
-
Patent number: 8401648Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Reginald D. Robinson, Randy S. Roles, Bernard Q. Li
-
Patent number: 8244367Abstract: A charging system for an implantable medical device having a secondary coil. The charging system includes an external power source having at least one primary coil, a modulation, circuit operatively coupled to the primary coil and capable of driving it in a manner characterized by a charging parameter, and a sensor in communication with the modulation circuit and capable of sensing a condition indicating a need to adjust the charging parameter during a charging process. The parameter may be varied so that data sensed by the sensor meets a threshold requirement, which may be based on a patient preference, a government regulation, a recommendation promulgated by a health authority and/or a requirement associated with another device carried by the patient. In one embodiment, the regulation dictates maximum magnetic field exposure, and a field limiting circuit is employed to adjust the charging process.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Timothy J. Denison, John J. Grevious, Todd A. Kallmyer
-
Patent number: 8209016Abstract: An apparatus for managing a lead of an implantable medical device includes a lead retention element and a fixation element. The lead retention element has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lumen is configured to slidably receive the lead. The fixation element is configured to fix the lead retention element relative to the implantable medical device in an orientation orthogonal to a lead receptacle of the device such that the proximal end of the lead retention element is closer to an opening of the lead receptacle than the distal end of the retention element. The distal end of the lead retention element is configured to firmly engage the lead to resist proximal sliding of the lead in the lumen of the retention element once the lead has been moved distally through the lumen.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Steve T. Deininger, John E. Kast, Raymond F. McMullen
-
Patent number: 8206180Abstract: A connector assembly of a medical electrical device includes a plurality of electrical contacts and an insulative base that supports the plurality of electrical contacts and extends between the plurality of electrical contacts and a housing of the device, and, wherein at least one contact of the plurality includes an elongate electrical coupling receptacle in which a first part of a feedthrough member extends, being fixedly coupled thereto. The feedthrough member further includes a second part and a bend, which is located between the first and second parts. The second part of the feedthrough member extends away from the contact and through a port formed in the insulative base adjacent to the contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Medtronic Inc.Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
-
Publication number: 20120149254Abstract: A connector assembly of a medical electrical device includes a plurality of electrical contacts and an insulative base that supports the plurality of electrical contacts and extends between the plurality of electrical contacts and a housing of the device, and, wherein at least one contact of the plurality includes an elongate electrical coupling receptacle in which a first part of a feedthrough member extends, being fixedly coupled thereto. The feedthrough member further includes a second part and a bend, which is located between the first and second parts. The second part of the feedthrough member extends away from the contact and through a port formed in the insulative base adjacent to the contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Medtronic, IncInventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
-
Publication number: 20120116470Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: John E. KAST, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner