Patents by Inventor Paul A. Pignato
Paul A. Pignato 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).
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Patent number: 6676597Abstract: This invention provides an organ positioning device and method that employs suction to hold organ tissue to the device. The device allows the organ, for example, heart to be positioned in a desired orientation but otherwise allowing movement of the heart as the heart beats. The device is designed to be relatively atraumatic to heart tissue. Generally, the device comprises a resiliently flexible suction head having a plurality of legs that flex to conform to the surface of the heart. The suction head has vacuum passageways in fluid communication with the legs to apply suction between the legs and the surface of the heart.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, Scott E. Jahns, Katherine Jolly
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Patent number: 6603654Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors and methods of making and using same in implantable medical devices (IMDs) are disclosed, the capacitors having a plurality of capacitor layers of an electrode stack formed of tailored numbers of anode and cathode layers to fill the available stack height space in the capacitor case. The capacitor is formed with a capacitor or electrode stack assembly having a stack assembly thickness or height HN that is tailored to fit a case wall height Hcw of the capacitor case with minimal wasted space and allowance for any stack height tolerance to. The electrode stack assembly comprises a plurality of N stacked capacitor layers each having a specified capacitor layer thickness or height. At least N1 capacitor layers have a first capacitor layer thickness T1 and N2 capacitor layers have a second capacitor layer thickness T2 where N=(N1+N2), and HN=N1*T1+T1*N2.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony W. Rorvick, Mark D. Breyen, Paul A. Pignato, Thomas P. Miltich
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Publication number: 20030088293Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, including flat electrolytic capacitors for same, and methods of making and using same and providing for outgassing of gases released during capacitor charge and discharge cycles are disclosed. A gas vent and liquid electrolyte barrier into the electrolyte fill tube lumen that is used to fill the interior case chamber with electrolyte and then needs to be closed to prevent leakage of electrolyte. The fill port is shaped to comprise a fill port tube having interior and exterior tube ends and a fill port ferrule intermediate the ends of the fill port tube and comprising a fill port ferrule flange extending transversely to and away from the fill port tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Clarke, Thomas P. Miltich, Mark D. Breyen, Joseph F. Lessar, Anthony W. Rorvick, Paul A. Pignato, Kurt J. Casby
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Patent number: 6560089Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors particularly for use in implantable medical devices having stacked cathode and anode layers particular electrical connections of the capacitor anode and cathode layers with a capacitor connector assembly. Anode terminal means extend through the capacitor case side wall for electrically connecting a plurality of the anode tabs to one another and providing an anode connection terminal at the exterior of the case that is electrically insulated from the case. A cathode terminal extends through or to an encapsulation area of the capacitor case side wall via a cathode terminal passageway for electrically connecting a plurality of the cathode tabs to one another and providing a cathode connection terminal at the exterior of the case. The connector assembly is electrically attached to the anode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the anode tabs and to the cathode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the cathode tabs.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Miltich, Paul A. Pignato, Mark D. Breyen, Kurt J. Casby, William L. Johnson
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Patent number: 6493212Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, including flat electrolytic capacitors for same, and methods of making and using same and providing for outgassing of gases released during capacitor charge and discharge cycles are disclosed. A gas vent and liquid electrolyte barrier into the electrolyte fill tube lumen that is used to fill the interior case chamber with electrolyte and then needs to be closed to prevent leakage of electrolyte. The fill port is shaped to comprise a fill port tube having interior and exterior tube ends and a fill port ferrule intermediate the ends of the fill port tube and comprising a fill port ferrule flange extending trasversely to and away from the fill port tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Clarke, Thomas P. Miltich, Mark D. Breyen, Joseph F. Lessar, Anthony W. Rorvick, Paul A. Pignato, Kurt J. Casby
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Publication number: 20020138109Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James R. Keogh, Scott E. Jahns, Michael A. Colson, Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, William G. O'Neill, Katherine Jolly
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Patent number: 6447443Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James R. Keogh, Scott E. Jahns, Michael A. Colson, Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, William G. O'Neill, Katherine Jolly
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Publication number: 20020108221Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors particularly for use in implantable medical devices having stacked cathode and anode layers particular electrical connections of the capacitor anode and cathode layers with a capacitor connector assembly. Anode terminal means extend through the capacitor case side wall for electrically connecting a plurality of the anode tabs to one another and providing an anode connection terminal at the exterior of the case that is electrically insulated from the case. A cathode terminal extends through or to an encapsulation area of the capacitor case side wall via a cathode terminal passageway for electrically connecting a plurality of the cathode tabs to one another and providing a cathode connection terminal at the exterior of the case. The connector assembly is electrically attached to the anode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the anode tabs and to the cathode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the cathode tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Miltich, Paul A. Pignato, Mark D. Breyen, Kurt J. Casby, William L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20020095067Abstract: This invention provides an organ positioning device and method that employs suction to hold organ tissue to the device. The device allows the organ, for example, heart to be positioned in a desired orientation but otherwise allowing movement of the heart as the heart beats. The device is designed to be relatively atraumatic to heart tissue. Generally, the device comprises a resiliently flexible suction head having a plurality of legs that flex to conform to the surface of the heart. The suction head has vacuum passageways in fluid communication with the legs to apply suction between the legs and the surface of the heart.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, Scott E. Jahns, Katherine Jolly
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Publication number: 20020095139Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: James R. Keogh, Scott E. Jahns, Michael A. Colson, Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, William G. O'Neill, Katherine Jolly
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Publication number: 20020071240Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors and methods of making and using same in implantable medical devices (IMDs) are disclosed, the capacitors having a plurality of capacitor layers of an electrode stack formed of tailored numbers of anode and cathode layers to fill the available stack height space in the capacitor case. The capacitor is formed with a capacitor or electrode stack assembly having a stack assembly thickness or height HN that is tailored to fit a case wall height Hcw of the capacitor case with minimal wasted space and allowance for any stack height tolerance to. The electrode stack assembly comprises a plurality of N stacked capacitor layers each having a specified capacitor layer thickness or height. At least N1 capacitor layers have a first capacitor layer thickness T1 and N2 capacitor layers have a second capacitor layer thickness T2 where N=(N1+N2), and HN=N1*T1+T1*N2.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony W. Rorvick, Mark D. Breyen, Paul A. Pignato, Thomas P. Miltich
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Patent number: 6402793Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors particularly for use in implantable medical devices having stacked cathode and anode layers particular electrical connections of the capacitor anode and cathode layers with a capacitor connector assembly. Anode terminal means extend through the capacitor case side wall for electrically connecting a plurality of the anode tabs to one another and providing an anode connection terminal at the exterior of the case that is electrically insulated from the case. A cathode terminal extends through or to an encapsulation area of the capacitor case side wall via a cathode terminal passageway for electrically connecting a plurality of the cathode tabs to one another and providing a cathode connection terminal at the exterior of the case. The connector assembly is electrically attached to the anode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the anode tabs and to the cathode connection terminal for making electrical connection with the cathode tabs.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Miltich, Paul A. Pignato, Mark D. Breyen, Kurt J. Casby, William L. Johnson
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Patent number: 6388866Abstract: Flat electrolytic capacitors and methods of making and using same in implantable medical devices (IMDs) are disclosed, the capacitors having a plurality of capacitor layers of an electrode stack formed of tailored numbers of anode and cathode layers to fill the available stack height space in the capacitor case. The capacitor is formed with a capacitor or electrode stack assembly having a stack assembly thickness or height HN that is tailored to fit a case wall height Hcw of the capacitor case with minimal wasted space and allowance for any stack height tolerance to. The electrode stack assembly comprises a plurality of N stacked capacitor layers each having a specified capacitor layer thickness or height. At least N1 capacitor layers have a first capacitor layer thickness T1 and N2 capacitor layers have a second capacitor layer thickness T2 where N=(N1+N2), and HN=N1*T1+T1*N2.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony W. Rorvick, Mark D. Breyen, Paul A. Pignato, Thomas P. Miltich
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Patent number: 6212063Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: William L. Johnson, Anthony R. Rorvick, Mark D. Breyen, Paul A. Pignato, Norma K. Bullock, Joseph F. Lessar, Andrew J. Ries, Randall V. Sparer, Christopher M. Hobot, Edward Di Domenico, Steven G. Rockow
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Patent number: 6184160Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Jenn-Feng Yan, Paul A. Pignato, Anthony R. Rorvick, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6157531Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Breyen, Joseph F. Lessar, Anthony R. Rorvick, Paul A. Pignato, Kurt Casby
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Patent number: 6099600Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Jenn-Feng Yan, Paul A. Pignato, Anthony R. Rorvick, Robert E. Kraska
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Patent number: 6042624Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Breyen, Anthony R. Rorvick, Paul Pignato, Joseph F. Lessar
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Patent number: 6032075Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Pignato, Eric W. Laveen, Joseph F. Lessar, Mark D. Breyen
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Patent number: 6009348Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony W. Rorvick, Mark D. Breyen, William L. Johnson, Paul Pignato, Joseph F. Lessar, Norma K. Bullock