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: 8170681
    Abstract: A rechargeable implantable medical device with a magnetic shield placed on the distal side of a secondary recharging coil to improve charging efficiency is disclosed. The rechargeable implantable medical device can be a wide variety of medical devices such as neuro stimulators, drug delivery pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators, diagnostic recorders, cochlear implants. The implantable medical device has a secondary recharging coil carried over a magnetic shield and coupled to electronics and a rechargeable power source carried inside the housing. The electronics are configured to perform a medical therapy. Additionally a method for enhancing electromagnetic coupling during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed, and a method for reducing temperature rise during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Jimenez, Guillermo Echarri, John E. Kast, James E. Riekels, Mark E. Schommer
  • Publication number: 20120078268
    Abstract: An introducer for a medical lead, the introducer having an arcuate component for creating an arcuate path in a patient. When used to percutaneously implant a medical device such as a medical lead with electrodes, the implanted lead has an arcuate configuration. The implanted lead can be used to at least partially encircle or bracket a region of chronic pain and provide therapeutic electrical signals to the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC. INC
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Gabriela C. Molnar, Glenna L. Case, Lisa M. Johanek, Phillip C. Falkner
  • Publication number: 20120078334
    Abstract: A medical lead includes a plurality of electrodes on an annular distal end portion of the lead. The electrodes may be arranged along a circle concentric with the center of a void defined by the annular portion. The annular medical lead design is well suited for application of electrical signal therapy to the suborbital nerve at its point of exit from the inferior orbital foramen in the skull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Dale F. Seeley, Lisa M. Johanek, John E. Kast, Phillip C. Falkner, Louis P. Vera-Portocarrero
  • Patent number: 8131369
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for an electrical device that employs a feedthrough including a hermetic seal that seals an interior region of the electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical contact disposed within the interior region of the electrical device, and a wire terminal that includes an encircled portion that is encircled by the feedthrough, and a first end that electrically connects with said electrical contact. When the electrical device is constructed, the first end of the wire terminal is coated with a conductive metal that is more resistant to oxidation than the wire terminal. The first end of the wire terminal is secured to the electrical contact using a mechanical device such as a crimping connector or a spring connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Lynn M. Seifried, William D. Wolf, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Kast
  • Patent number: 8123567
    Abstract: A connector assembly of a medical electrical device includes a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein at least one contact of the plurality of electrical contacts includes an electrical coupling receptacle. The electrical coupling receptacle of the at least one contact includes a first portion, which is adapted to receive a connector element of a medical electrical lead, and a second portion, in which a part of a feedthrough member extends, and to which the part of the feedthrough member is fixedly coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters, Michael J. Baade, James A. Alexander, Andrew J. Ries
  • Patent number: 8112152
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for an electrical device that employs a feedthrough including a hermetic seal that seals an interior region of the electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical contact disposed within the interior region of the electrical device, and a wire terminal that includes an encircled portion that is encircled by the feedthrough, and a first end that electrically connects with said electrical contact. When the electrical device is constructed, the first end of the wire terminal is coated with a conductive metal that is more resistant to oxidation than the wire terminal. The first end of the wire terminal is secured to the electrical contact using a mechanical device such as a crimping connector or a spring connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Lynn M. Seifried, William D. Wolf, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Kast
  • Patent number: 8041427
    Abstract: An implantable medical device having a case with therapeutic componentry contained with the case. A module has a rail around at least a portion of a perimeter of the module and is adapted to be mechanically secured to the case. The case has a rigid fastening channel adapted to receive the rail of the module. The rigid fastening channel has an opening allowing the rail of the module to drop into the rigid fastening channel through the opening and then slide along the rigid fastening channel to be mechanically secured to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Steve T. Deininger
  • Publication number: 20110245892
    Abstract: Techniques adapted for use with recharging a rechargeable power source of an implantable device. One aspect relates to providing a flexible primary coil that can be transcutaneously coupled to a secondary coil of the implantable device. Multiple adjacent turns of the coil are grouped via lacing to form bundles. The bundles have at least one dimension that is selected to be a same size as a predetermined thickness of the coil. In one embodiment, the dimension is a diameter of the bundle. In another embodiment, the dimension is at least one of a length or width of the bundle. Insulating overmolding may be provided over the coil. In one embodiment, the resulting antenna structure is bidirectional such that substantially the same performance characteristics are obtained during recharge regardless of which of two major surfaces of the antenna is placed in proximity to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Bruce D. Fishbeck, Thipphaphone Lougiu, Todd A. Kallmyer, Jay T. Eisch, David P. Olson, William C. Philips, Matthew C. Lukasek, Lonnie B. Gades
  • Publication number: 20110190833
    Abstract: This disclosure includes an implantable medical device comprising: a housing; at least one module enclosed within the housing and configured to at least one of generate an electrical stimulation therapy for delivery to a patient or monitor a physiological parameter of the patient; one or more feedthroughs extending through the housing; a header assembly including one or more electrical connectors electrically coupled to the module via the feedthroughs; and a preformed gasket compressed between the housing and the header assembly forming a seal to electrically isolate the feedthroughs from an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, David B. Engmark, John E. Kast, Jean-Francois Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110184480
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110184479
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John E. KAST, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 7966070
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for an electrical device that employs a feedthrough including a hermetic seal that seals an interior region of the electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical contact disposed within the interior region of the electrical device, and a wire terminal that includes an encircled portion that is encircled by the feedthrough, and a first end that electrically connects with said electrical contact. When the electrical device is constructed, the first end of the wire terminal is coated with a conductive metal that is more resistant to oxidation than the wire terminal. The first end of the wire terminal is secured to the electrical contact using a mechanical device such as a crimping connector or a spring connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Lynn M. Seifried, William D. Wolf, Andrew J. Ries, John E. Kast
  • Patent number: 7962211
    Abstract: System, method and antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A housing has a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. A primary coil is operatively coupled to the external power and is capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil, the primary coil being wound forming generally concentric loops having an axis. The housing has a protrusion extending from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, John E. Kast, Kevin J. Kelly, Todd P. Goblish
  • Patent number: 7955543
    Abstract: A method of overmolding a substrate having a first side and a second side and a product made by that process. A plurality of support feet are placed on the first side of the substrate. The substrate is placed in an injection mold. The mold is filled with a molding material with the molding material enveloping both the first side and the second side of the substrate. The substrate is removed having been overmolded from the injection mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve T. Deininger, John E. Kast, Charles E. Peters
  • Patent number: 7945334
    Abstract: A rechargeable implantable medical device with a magnetic shield placed on the distal side of a secondary recharging coil to improve charging efficiency is disclosed. The rechargeable implantable medical device can be a wide variety of medical devices such as neuro stimulators, drug delivery pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators, diagnostic recorders, cochlear implants. The implantable medical device has a secondary recharging coil carried over a magnetic shield and coupled to electronics and a rechargable power source carried inside the housing. The electronics are configured to perform a medical therapy. Additionally a method for enhancing electromagnetic coupling during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed, and a method for reducing temperature rise during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Jimenez, Guillermo Echarri, John E. Kast, James E. Riekels, Mark E. Schommer
  • Publication number: 20110098782
    Abstract: A lead extension includes a proximal portion having first and second contacts, and further includes a connector having a body. The body of the connector houses first and second lead receptacles. The first lead receptacle has an internal contact electrically coupled to the first proximal contact. The second lead receptacle has an internal contact electrically coupled to the second proximal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic ,Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20110093034
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a proximal portion having first and second contacts. The lead further includes a first distal arm having a first electrode that is electrically coupled to the first contact, and includes a second distal arm having a second electrode that is electrically coupled to the second contact. The lead also includes a branch region where the proximal portion transitions to the first and second distal arms. A tissue anchoring element is attached to the branch region for securing the branch region to tissue of a patient into which the lead is implanted. Such bifurcated leads may be used to apply electrical signals to occipital nerves of the patient via the electrodes. A lead extension includes a distal connector with two lead receptacles and a tissue anchoring element attached to the connector. An adaptor having three lead receptacles includes an anchoring element attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20110082516
    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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20110071540
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a proximal portion including a contact. The lead also includes a distal portion having a paddle-shaped portion, an electrode, and an engagement element configured to cooperate with a lead advancement tool to facilitate placement of the lead such that distal advancement of the tool relative to the lead pushes the lead distally. The electrode is electrically coupled to the contact, and the engagement element is distal to the electrode. The engagement element is integrally formed with the paddle-shaped portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20110071606
    Abstract: Bifurcated leads may simplify implantation procedures associated with electrical single therapy at two distinct anatomical locations, such as a left and a right occipital nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kast, James A. Zimmerman, Craig S. Pilarski, William C. Phillips, Thomas I. Miller, Mary L. Boatwright