Patents by Inventor Michael E. Metzler

Michael E. Metzler 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: 8489169
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 8483842
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 8326434
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Skubitz, Mary Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20110066195
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated from each other and form co-axial coils between the proximal end and the distal end. The co-axial coils include an outer coil disposed about an inner coil. The inner coil has a first plurality of electrical conductors that are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a first coil diameter. The outer coil includes a second plurality of electrical conductors that are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a second coil diameter. The second coil diameter is greater than the first coil diameter, and the first plurality is a number less than the second plurality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jon P. Dorff
  • Publication number: 20110066196
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal region and a distal region. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A first plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal region and the distal region. The first plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated and spaced apart from each other and form a side-by-side co-planar first sigmoidal pattern between the proximal region and the distal region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jon P. Dorff
  • Publication number: 20110054584
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated from each other and form a braided coil extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a braided coil diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jonathan P. Dorff
  • Publication number: 20100325869
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20100324641
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20100228329
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 7765011
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting at least one tab of the at least one conductive component through the carrier, the tab extending away from an electrode portion of the component such that, after the tab is inserted, the electrode portion is disposed on a first side of the carrier and the tab is disposed on a second side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the at least one component; and forming an insulative layer over the tab and the conductor on the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 7742824
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 7738966
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20100087904
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead for spinal cord stimulation includes a first column of electrode surfaces and a second columns of electrode surfaces extending alongside and spaced apart from the first column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Jessica L. Tower, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Patent number: 7617006
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead for spinal cord stimulation includes a first column of electrode surfaces and a second column of electrode surfaces, both coupled to a distal portion of the lead such that the two columns extend alongside one another and are spaced apart from one another. Each electrode surface of the first column is coupled to a corresponding conductor of a first plurality of conductors of a first lead body, and each electrode surface of the second column is coupled to a corresponding conductor of a second plurality of conductors of a second lead body. The first and second lead bodies are coupled together by the distal portion of the lead, and each electrode surface extends laterally away from the respective lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Jessica L. Tower, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Patent number: 7515968
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a medical electrical lead for spinal cord stimulation include coupling distal portions of each of a pair of lead bodies to one another. The distal portions each include a plurality of electrode surfaces coupled thereto. Each of the distal portions may further include a column of conductive rings coupled thereto, wherein each electrode surface of the first and second portions is coupled to a corresponding conductive ring of the first and second portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Jessica L. Tower, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Publication number: 20080269863
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20080046050
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20080046051
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20080046049
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting at least one tab of the at least one conductive component through the carrier, the tab extending away from an electrode portion of the component such that, after the tab is inserted, the electrode portion is disposed on a first side of the carrier and the tab is disposed on a second side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the at least one component; and forming an insulative layer over the tab and the conductor on the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 6689975
    Abstract: A foot controller 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes an accelerator-type pedal 14 for activating and controlling various surgical instruments, and a door 18 covering a switch 24. The door functions as a heel-rest when in a closed position and as a switch-shroud when in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Merlin Hall