Patents by Inventor Steven J. Fischer

Steven J. Fischer 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: 20240068135
    Abstract: Interlacing equipment may be used to form fabric and to create a gap in the fabric. The fabric may include one or more conductive strands. An insertion tool may be used to align an electrical component with the conductive strands during interlacing operations. A soldering tool may be used to remove insulation from the conductive strands to expose conductive segments on the conductive strands. The soldering tool may be used to solder the conductive segments to the electrical component. The solder connections may be located in grooves in the electrical component. An encapsulation tool may dispense encapsulation material in the grooves to encapsulate the solder connections. After the electrical component is electrically connected to the conductive strands, the insertion tool may position and release the electrical component in the gap. A component retention tool may temporarily be used to retain the electrical component in the gap as interlacing operations continue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Kyle L. Chatham, Kathryn P. Crews, Didio V. Gomes, Benjamin J. Grena, Storrs T. Hoen, Steven J. Keating, David M. Kindlon, Daniel A. Podhajny, Andrew L. Rosenberg, Daniel D. Sunshine, Lia M. Uesato, Joseph B. Walker, Felix Binder, Bertram Wendisch, Martin Latta, Ulrich Schläpfer, Franck Robin, Michael Baumann, Helen Wächter Fischer
  • Patent number: 11913143
    Abstract: Interlacing equipment may be used to form fabric and to create a gap in the fabric. The fabric may include one or more conductive strands. An insertion tool may be used to align an electrical component with the conductive strands during interlacing operations. A soldering tool may be used to remove insulation from the conductive strands to expose conductive segments on the conductive strands. The soldering tool may be used to solder the conductive segments to the electrical component. The solder connections may be located in grooves in the electrical component. An encapsulation tool may dispense encapsulation material in the grooves to encapsulate the solder connections. After the electrical component is electrically connected to the conductive strands, the insertion tool may position and release the electrical component in the gap. A component retention tool may temporarily be used to retain the electrical component in the gap as interlacing operations continue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L Chatham, Kathryn P. Crews, Didio V. Gomes, Benjamin J. Grena, Storrs T. Hoen, Steven J. Keating, David M. Kindlon, Daniel A. Podhajny, Andrew L. Rosenberg, Daniel D. Sunshine, Lia M. Uesato, Joseph B. Walker, Felix Binder, Bertram Wendisch, Martin Latta, Ulrich Schläpfer, Franck Robin, Michael Baumann, Helen Wächter Fischer
  • Patent number: 7881765
    Abstract: Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to minimizing gaps between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing a so-called interference-fit. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member has slightly reduced dimensions relative to the electrode and requires compression forces during assembly (e.g., manually or in an automated process including a press, a tool or other means). The interference-fit promotes a very tight fit (or seal) between the metallic electrode and the resin-based shroud member and, importantly, minimizes gaps. Additionally, discrete interference structures promote fluid tight seals between the electrode and a recess or aperture adapted to receive the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Mertz, Bryan J. Zart, James Strom, Michael D. Fletcher, John E. Nicholson, Steven J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7835793
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating a shroud member having extra-cardiac sensing electrode. The assembly is used to provide a subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing device via at least a pair of electrodes mechanically coupled to the shroud member. In one embodiment only a major surface portion of the electrodes are exposed to body fluid and tissue. One beneficial aspect of the fabrication techniques herein involve the encapsulation of the elongated conductors and a majority of the electrode surfaces thereby reducing possibility for electrical shorting among the IMD housing and the other conductive members. The assemblies provided can be fabricated efficiently, inexpensively, quickly and easily using insert-molding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra M. Koch, Steven J. Fischer, Alexander O. Lakanu, Bryan J. Zart
  • Publication number: 20080183233
    Abstract: Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for fabricating a shroud member having extra-cardiac sensing electrode coupled thereto and adapted to mechanically and electrically couple to an implantable medical device (IMD). The assembly is used to provide a subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing device via at least a pair of electrodes mechanically coupled to the shroud member. In one embodiment only a major surface portion of the electrodes are exposed to body fluid and tissue. One beneficial aspect of the fabrication techniques herein involve the encapsulation of the elongated conductors and a majority of the electrode surfaces thereby reducing possibility for electrical shorting among the IMD housing and the other conductive members. The assemblies provided according to the disclosure can be fabricated efficiently, inexpensively, quickly and easily using insert-molding techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Alexandra M. Koch, Steven J. Fischer, Alexander O. Lakanu, Bryan J. Zart
  • Patent number: 5328123
    Abstract: A single reel data tape cartridge includes a base and a cover. The base includes a rear wall, two opposing side walls, a front wall, and a lower wall connecting the rear, front, and side walls. The lower wall has an outer surface and an inner surface. A strengthening rib is formed on the inner surface of the lower wall adjacent each of the four corners of the base. The portion of the lower wall on one side of and adjacent the strengthening rib has a groove extending along the length of the strengthening rib. The groove and the adjacent strengthening rib share a common wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Curtis G. LeNoue, Navnit C. Patel, Saurin J. Shah, Steven J. Fischer, Steven E. Krabbenhoft
  • Patent number: 5209424
    Abstract: A single reel data tape cartridge includes a base and a cover. The cover includes a rear wall, two opposing side walls, a front wall, and an upper wall connecting the rear, front, and side walls. The upper wall has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a substantially rectangular recessed portion which is adapted to receive an identifying label and to receive ribs on the base of an adjacent cartridge when a plurality of cartridges are stacked. The upper wall is formed with a stepped wall thickness such that the portion of the lower surface corresponding in location to the recessed portion has an increased stepped portion. The depth of the recessed portion varies and is greater adjacent its edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Fischer, Steven E. Krabbenhoft, Curtis G. LeNoue, Navnit C. Patel, Saurin J. Shah