Patents by Inventor Richard L. Molacek

Richard L. Molacek 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).

  • Pacing lead insulator
    Patent number: 5419921
    Abstract: The present invention provides resistance to degradation from environmental stress cracking (ESC) and metal ion induced oxidation (MIO) for implantable, flexible pacing lead insulators having a body of polyether polyurethane elastomer material. A thin layer of a second polyurethane elastomer is applied as an overcoat to the lead insulator body. The second polyurethane is more resistant to ESC and MIO than the elastomer comprising the body of the insulator. Because ESC and MIO are surface phenomina, only a thin layer of the second material is required and the mechanical properties of the base material will determine the overall mechanical properties of the lead insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Molacek, Kenneth E. Cobian, Michael J. Ebert, Allan H. Jevne, James R. Keogh, Paul C. Slaikeu
  • Pacing lead insulator
    Patent number: 5375609
    Abstract: The present invention provides resistance to degradation from environmental stress cracking (ESC) and metal ion induced oxidation (MIO) for implantable, flexible pacing lead insulators having a body of polyether polyurethane elastomer material. A thin layer of a second polyurethane elastomer is applied as an overcoat to the lead insulator body. The second polyurethane is more resistant to ESC and MIO than the elastomer comprising the body of the insulator. Because ESC and MIO are surface phenomina, only a thin layer of the second material is required and the mechanical properties of the base material will determine the overall mechanical properties of the lead insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Molacek, Kenneth E. Cobian, Michael J. Ebert, Allan H. Jevne, James R. Keogh, Paul C. Slaikeu
  • Electrical medical lead with textured stylet guide
    Patent number: 5358517
    Abstract: An implantable lead having a plastic stylet guide therein. A substantially cylindrical channel is provided in a flexible lead body made of silicone rubber, polyurethane, or the like. The cylindrical channel defines a lumen containing a stylet guide into which a stylet can be inserted during an implantation procedure. Texture on the inner wall of the stylet guide minimizes friction between the stylet and the stylet guide, facilitating easy insertion and removal of the stylet. One or more electrical conductors may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Pohndorf, Richard L. Molacek
  • Medical electrical lead
    Patent number: 5303704
    Abstract: An implantable multi-lumen, multi-conductor lead for use with an implantable medical device. The completed lead is an assembly of a polymeric lead body with several coiled conductors inserted into the lead body. The lead body includes several lumens having a generally rounded-corner triangular or "pie-shaped" cross-section. The conductors do not fill the lumens, and only contact the inner walls of the lumens at discrete points, rather than for extended sections of or all of the circumference of the conductors. Preferably the coils are sized so that they fit loosely within the lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Molacek, Allan H. Jevne, Peter J. Pohndorf, Kenneth E. Cobian, Joseph F. Lessar, James E. Upton
  • Prosthetic vascular grafts with a pleated structure
    Patent number: 5282847
    Abstract: A vascular graft having a pleated circumference accommodates blood pressure changes with minimal change in internal surface area. A highly compliant graft may be made from a wide variety of polymers including non-elastomeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Trescony, Michael Wolf, Richard L. Molacek, Elaine Lindell
  • Splittable catheter and method
    Patent number: 5180372
    Abstract: An improved placement catheter of the type having a longitudinal line of weakness whereby the catheter may be split longitudinally. The improved catheter is made with radiation cross-linked tubing to provide better splittability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett R. Vegoe, Richard L. Molacek