Patents by Inventor Michael C. Bednarek

Michael C. Bednarek 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: 11446082
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Gerald Blanck, Michael C. Bednarek, Sebastian Teodoru
  • Publication number: 20220096792
    Abstract: In various examples, a shaft for an elongate medical device extends along a shaft length. The shaft includes a shaft axis, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an inner lumen. A liner forms the inner surface of the shaft. A coil is disposed around and outwardly from the liner. The coil is formed from a flat wire. The flat wire includes a wire width and a wire height, wherein the wire height is greater than the wire width. The wire height extends substantially radially with respect to the shaft and the wire width extends substantially longitudinally with respect to the shaft. A jacket is disposed around and outwardly from the coil. The jacket forms the outer surface of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventor: Michael C. Bednarek
  • Patent number: 10960181
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
  • Patent number: 10737062
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
  • Patent number: 10283887
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high capacity medical device connector utilizing flexible circuits. The use of flexible circuits allows for increased channel capacity for use with future designs and capabilities of medical devices. The assembly may include pre-mounted electrical components. The connector may be designed to connect two flexible circuits. The connector may also be designed to connect a flexible circuit with existing technology, such as a pin-to-socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Tegg, Gregory K. Olson, Derek Sutermeister, Nicholas Strom, David Kim, Michael C. Bednarek, Dale Just
  • Patent number: 10183149
    Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Troy Terrance Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
  • Publication number: 20190015633
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
  • Publication number: 20180221085
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Arthur Gerald Blanck, Michael C. Bednarek, Sebastian Teodoru
  • Patent number: 10035000
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
  • Publication number: 20180138619
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high capacity medical device connector utilizing flexible circuits. The use of flexible circuits allows for increased channel capacity for use with future designs and capabilities of medical devices. The assembly may include pre-mounted electrical components. The connector may be designed to connect two flexible circuits. The connector may also be designed to connect a flexible circuit with existing technology, such as a pin-to-socket connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Troy Tegg, Gregory K. Olson, Derek Sutermeister, Nicholas Strom, David Kim, Michael C. Bednarek, Dale Just
  • Publication number: 20170312482
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
  • Patent number: 9694159
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
  • Publication number: 20160082227
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: MICHAEL C. BEDNAREK, ERIC J. WILKOWSKE, RICHARD E. STEHR, WILLIAM E. BUTLER
  • Patent number: 9132258
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
  • Publication number: 20150105655
    Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Terrance Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
  • Publication number: 20140364802
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
  • Patent number: 8858495
    Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
  • Patent number: 8777929
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James Jensen, Michael Stine
  • Publication number: 20130096407
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. BEDNAREK, Eric J. WILKOWSKE, Richard E. STEHR, William E. BUTLER
  • Patent number: 8323239
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler