Patents by Inventor Stephen M. Schmidt

Stephen M. Schmidt 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: 11957893
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Joel A. Anderson, Michael J. Ebert, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 11957894
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 10343545
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a battery separator system integrating a DC contactor (solenoid) plus control electronics and all required interconnects into a single sealed enclosure for the purpose of selectively connecting and disconnecting a main and auxiliary battery under predetermined conditions. Battery monitoring and control includes programmable time delays that immunize the system from reacting to transient conditions as well as monitoring for and correcting unintended states and disabling operation when voltage conditions fall outside of prescribed limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Trumpet Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, James R. Hannas, Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20170207641
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a battery separator system integrating a DC contactor (solenoid) plus control electronics and all required interconnects into a single sealed enclosure for the purpose of selectively connecting and disconnecting a main and auxiliary battery under predetermined conditions. Battery monitoring and control includes programmable time delays that immunize the system from reacting to transient conditions as well as monitoring for and correcting unintended states and disabling operation when voltage conditions fall outside of prescribed limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Trumpet Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, James R. Hannas, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 8653915
    Abstract: An embodiment of an electrical contactor according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such electrical contactor may include a housing substantially surrounding an electrical conductor assembly and contact actuator. The conductor assembly includes a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact assembly. The contact actuator selectively mechanically interfaces to the movable contact assembly to make or break an electrical conduction. The contactor provides improved contact bounce dampening and actuator force characteristics. Methods according to the present invention include a method of manufacturing and a method of operating a solenoid actuated electrical contactor so as to minimize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while making the electrical conduction and to maximize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while breaking the electrical conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trumpet Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20130106544
    Abstract: An embodiment of an electrical contactor according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such electrical contactor may include a housing substantially surrounding an electrical conductor assembly and contact actuator. The conductor assembly includes a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact assembly. The contact actuator selectively mechanically interfaces to the movable contact assembly to make or break an electrical conduction. The contactor provides improved contact bounce dampening and actuator force characteristics. Methods according to the present invention include a method of manufacturing and a method of operating a solenoid actuated electrical contactor so as to minimize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while making the electrical conduction and to maximize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while breaking the electrical conduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TROMBETTA, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN M. SCHMIDT, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 8154366
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20100156578
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 7728704
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20080303617
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 6791442
    Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid including a solenoid operating mechanism, and further comprising a magnetic latching subassembly cooperating with, but positioned independently of the solenoid operating mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the solenoid operating system may be of a bi-directionally operated structure arranged for alternative magnetically latching function. Independently operated, magnetic latching subassemblies are spaced apart from one another and from opposite ends of the bi-directionally operated solenoid operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6598824
    Abstract: A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking structure for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20030094535
    Abstract: A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking means for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20010010486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and applying seamless wear bands to a cylinder, such as a solenoid plunger. The apparatus consists principally of an expanding diameter pushing tool and mating conical mandrel. The pushing tool contacts and moves a flat washer type disc along the sides of the mandrel. As the disc travels along the mandrel it is transformed into a band configuration and snapped into a pre-formed undercut groove on the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt