Patents by Inventor Warren W. Ball

Warren W. Ball 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: 20190060654
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Patent number: 10112051
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20180250517
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Patent number: 9987495
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Patent number: 9987494
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20180043169
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20180043170
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20180008820
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Michael T. Hegland, Gabriela C. Molnar, James M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 9849295
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Patent number: 9808630
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20170246449
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Michael T. Hegland, Gabriela C. Molnar, James M. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20170087370
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Publication number: 20170043172
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Patent number: 9566450
    Abstract: In some examples, a method including wirelessly communicating, using an external medical device, with an implantable medical device via a telemetry head device, wherein the telemetry head device includes a power source configured to supply operational power to the telemetry head device; determining a first power level of the power source while the external medical device wirelessly communicates with the implantable medical device via the telemetry head device; suspending wireless communication between the implantable medical device and the external medical device based on the determined first power level. The wireless communication may be resumed, e.g., at the point communication was suspended, upon determining that the power level of the power source has been increased after the communication was suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Warren W. Ball, Timmothy S. Carlson, Matthew L. Plante
  • Publication number: 20160375257
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Michael T. Hegland, Gabriela C. Molnar, James M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 9452295
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Publication number: 20160151633
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand
  • Patent number: 9238135
    Abstract: Method, controller and system for an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, the implantable medical device capable of delivering therapeutic stimulation to a patient, comprising a control module, a user interface operatively coupled to the control module, the user interface providing control of the control module by a medical professional or other user, and an electrode interface operatively coupled between the plurality of electrodes and the control module. The control module uses the electrode interface to obtain a plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes. The control module flags electrodes using the plurality of measurements of impedance values of the selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes comparative to a range, and the delivery of therapy on flagged electrodes is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Todd V. Smith, Nathan A. Torgerson, Warren W. Ball
  • Patent number: 9199090
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand
  • Publication number: 20150306404
    Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Warren W. Ball, Ajinkya M. Joglekar, Nathan A. Torgerson, Matthew L. Plante