Patents by Inventor Robert M. Ecker
Robert M. Ecker 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).
-
Publication number: 20260041357Abstract: An example implantable medical device includes a housing configured to house processing circuitry configured to control functioning of the implantable medical device. The housing includes an electrically conductive portion defining a cavity configured to receive the processing circuitry and a dielectric cover configured to cover the cavity and enclose the processing circuitry within the cavity. The implantable medical device further includes an electrode positioned on an outer surface of the dielectric cover and connected to the processing circuitry, the processing circuitry being further configured to monitor a physiological parameter of a patient via the electrode, and the implantable medical device further includes a biocompatible electrical insulator disposed on an outer surface of at least one of the electrically conductive portion or the dielectric cover, the biocompatible electrical insulator being configured to not be disposed on the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2023Publication date: February 12, 2026Inventors: Blake C. Gorowsky, Thomas J. Fick, Andrew J. Thom, Hyun J. Yoon, Kamal Deep Mothilal, Craig Wiklund, Christian S. Nielsen, Kris A. Peterson, Richard P. Nelson, Robert M. Ecker, Jake H. Kanack
-
Patent number: 12194304Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor and a biosensor. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from the temperature sensor. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a second signal from the biosensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Matthew P. Hanly, Charles R. Gordon, Gary J. Pauly, Michael B. Terry, Jerry D. Reiland, Hyun J. Yoon, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Jon E. Thissen
-
Patent number: 12088634Abstract: This disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and techniques for establishing a secure connection between two or more devices. In some examples, a device is configured for wireless communication. The device comprises signal reception circuitry configured to receive communications transmitted according to at least a first communication protocol, communication circuitry configured for wireless communication according to at least a second communication protocol, and processing circuitry electrically coupled to the signal reception circuitry and the communication circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, via the signal reception circuitry, a first signal according to the first communication protocol. In response to receiving the first signal, the processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, via the communication circuitry, a second signal according to the second communication protocol and establish a secure link according to the second communication protocol.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Yoon, Bo Zhang, Robert M. Ecker, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Joseph C. Green, David J. Peichel, Sudar Shields, Nicholas C. Wine, Drew J. Thwaites
-
Publication number: 20240198114Abstract: Techniques for facilitating communication between an implantable medical device and an external device are provided. In one example, a method comprises broadcasting, via communication circuitry of an implantable device, a first set of advertisements at a first advertising rate according to a communication protocol. The method further comprises determining that detection circuitry of the implantable device detected voltage induced by an electromagnetic field at an interface between tissue of a patient and electrodes of the implantable device and in response to the detection of voltage induced by the electromagnetic field, broadcasting, via the communication circuitry, a second set of advertisements at a second advertising rate according to the communication protocol. The second advertising rate is greater than the first advertising rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2024Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: Val D. Eisele, Robert M. Ecker, David J. Peichel, William J. Plombon, James D. Reinke
-
Patent number: 11918819Abstract: Techniques for facilitating communication between an implantable medical device and an external device are provided. In one example, a method comprises broadcasting, via communication circuitry of an implantable device, a first set of advertisements at a first advertising rate according to a communication protocol. The method further comprises determining that detection circuitry of the implantable device detected voltage induced by an electromagnetic field at an interface between tissue of a patient and electrodes of the implantable device and in response to the detection of voltage induced by the electromagnetic field, broadcasting, via the communication circuitry, a second set of advertisements at a second advertising rate according to the communication protocol. The second advertising rate is greater than the first advertising rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Val D. Eisele, Robert M. Ecker, David J. Peichel, William J. Plombon, James D. Reinke
-
Publication number: 20230364435Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor a biosensor and other sensors. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from one of the sensors. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD has changed status, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD based on a second signal from the biosensor or some other sensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD has changed status.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Matthew P. Hanly, Jerry D. Reiland, Hyun J. Yoon, Jon E. Thissen, Gary J. Pauly, Michael B. Terry, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Charles R. Gordon
-
Publication number: 20230104064Abstract: This disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and techniques for establishing a secure connection between two or more devices. In some examples, a device is configured for wireless communication. The device comprises signal reception circuitry configured to receive communications transmitted according to at least a first communication protocol, communication circuitry configured for wireless communication according to at least a second communication protocol, and processing circuitry electrically coupled to the signal reception circuitry and the communication circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive, via the signal reception circuitry, a first signal according to the first communication protocol. In response to receiving the first signal, the processing circuitry is further configured to transmit, via the communication circuitry, a second signal according to the second communication protocol and establish a secure link according to the second communication protocol.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Hyun J. Yoon, Bo Zhang, Robert M. Ecker, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Joseph C. Green, David J. Peichel, Sudar Shields, Nicholas C. Wine, Drew J. Thwaites
-
Publication number: 20230059224Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor and a biosensor. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from the temperature sensor. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a second signal from the biosensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Matthew P. Hanly, Charles R. Gordon, Gary J. Pauly, Michael B. Terry, Jerry D. Reiland, Hyun J. Yoon, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Jon E. Thissen
-
Patent number: 11464985Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor and a biosensor. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from the temperature sensor. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a second signal from the biosensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Matthew P. Hanly, Charles R. Gordon, Gary J. Pauly, Michael B. Terry, Jerry D. Reiland, Hyun J. Yoon, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Jon E. Thissen
-
Publication number: 20210370076Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor and a biosensor. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from the temperature sensor. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a second signal from the biosensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2020Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Matthew P. Hanly, Charles R. Gordon, Gary J. Pauly, Michael B. Terry, Jerry D. Reiland, Hyun J. Yoon, Ryan D. Wyszynski, Jon E. Thissen
-
Publication number: 20200129773Abstract: Techniques for facilitating communication between an implantable medical device and an external device are provided. In one example, a method comprises broadcasting, via communication circuitry of an implantable device, a first set of advertisements at a first advertising rate according to a communication protocol. The method further comprises determining that detection circuitry of the implantable device detected voltage induced by an electromagnetic field at an interface between tissue of a patient and electrodes of the implantable device and in response to the detection of voltage induced by the electromagnetic field, broadcasting, via the communication circuitry, a second set of advertisements at a second advertising rate according to the communication protocol. The second advertising rate is greater than the first advertising rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Val D. Eisele, Robert M. Ecker, David J. Peichel, William J. Plombon, James D. Reinke
-
Patent number: 8855780Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Hansen, Robert M. Ecker, Paul R. Solheim
-
Patent number: 8798205Abstract: A medical device communication system includes a receiver adapted to receive radio frequency (RF) signals and configured to operate in a first mode to poll for an RF signal for a first time interval to detect an element of a valid input signal during the first time interval. In response to detecting the element of a valid input signal in the first time interval, the receiver operates in a second mode to poll for the RF signal for a second time interval to analyze the RF signal over the second time interval to detect a valid modulation of the RF signal. In response to detecting a valid modulation of the RF signal during the second time interval, the receiver is enabled to establish a communication session with a transmitting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, James D. Reinke, John R. Ukura
-
Publication number: 20140112408Abstract: A medical device communication system includes a receiver adapted to receive radio frequency (RF) signals and configured to operate in a first mode to poll for an RF signal for a first time interval to detect an element of a valid input signal during the first time interval. In response to detecting the element of a valid input signal in the first time interval, the receiver operates in a second mode to poll for the RF signal for a second time interval to analyze the RF signal over the second time interval to detect a valid modulation of the RF signal. In response to detecting a valid modulation of the RF signal during the second time interval, the receiver is enabled to establish a communication session with a transmitting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, James D. Reinke, John R. Ukura
-
Publication number: 20140100634Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Hansen, Robert M. Ecker, Paul R. Solheim
-
Patent number: 8634914Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Hansen, Robert M. Ecker, Paul R. Solheim
-
Publication number: 20130234692Abstract: Voltage supply and method having a first reference and a second reference. The first reference has an operation mode configured to supply a first reference voltage at a first accuracy and consume an operation power and a standby mode configured to consume standby power less than the operation power. The second reference is configured to supply a second reference having a second accuracy less than the first accuracy of the first reference and which consumes a second reference power less than the operation power of the first reference, the second reference voltage being trimmable based, at least in part, on a comparison of the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Weizheng Liang, Charles R. Gordon, Michael B. Terry, Larry E. Tyler, James D. Reinke, Matthew Bond, Shohan T. Hossain, Robert M. Ecker
-
Patent number: 8504165Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the synchronization of clocks of a secondary implantable medical device (IMD) to a clock of a primary IMD. The secondary IMD includes a communications clock. The communications clock may be synchronized based on at least one received communications pulse. The secondary IMD further includes a general purpose clock different than the communications clock. The general purpose clock may be synchronized based on at least one received power pulse. The communications clock may also be synchronized based on the at least one received power pulse.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James D. Reinke, Robert M. Ecker, Kaustubh R. Patil, Michael B. Terry, Jonathan P. Roberts, Robert A. Corey
-
Publication number: 20130198531Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Hansen, Robert M. Ecker, Paul R. Solheim
-
Patent number: 8452402Abstract: A reflectance-type optical sensor includes one or more photodiodes formed in a semiconductor substrate. A well having sidewalls and a bottom is formed in the top surface of the substrate, and a reflective layer is formed on the sidewalls and bottom. A light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted in the well, so that light emitted laterally and rearwardly from the LED strikes the sidewalls or bottom and is redirected in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate. The optical sensor can be fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ecker, Jonathan L. Kuhn, James D. Reinke, Can Cinbis, Timothy J. Davis, Paul F. Gerrish, Jonathan P. Roberts