John B Nicholson

US Patent:

6414650, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Nov 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/716811

Inventors:

Timothy J. Nicholson - Shoreview MN
John P. Nicholson - Shoreview MN
Gordon M. Melby - Blaine MN
Steve J. McHenry - Inver Grove Heights MN
Paul C. Freeberg - South St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Addco - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345 11, 345 55, 345 84

Abstract:

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind said transparent portions and within said module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules. The modules are arrangeable in a rectangular matrix on a support structure without a sign screen enclosure and with the screen portions of the modules defining a sign screen.

US Patent:

6522915, Feb 18, 2003

Filed:

Oct 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/697438

Inventors:

Thomas I. Ceballos - Spring Lake Park MN
John E. Nicholson - Blaine MN
Eric J. Panken - Edina MN
James D. Reinke - Maple Grove MN
James Strom - Arden Hills MN
Kevin K. Tidemand - East Bethel MN

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61B 5042

US Classification:

600509, 607 36

Abstract:

The invention discloses a subcutaneous electrode array or SEA for use in medical devices. The arrangement provides an enhanced capability for detecting and gathering electrical cardiac signals via the array of relatively closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes. Further, switching circuits, signal processors and memory to process electric cardiac signals are implemented to enable a leadless orientation-insensitive SEA scheme for receiving the electrical signal from the heart. The SEA is distributed over the perimeter of the implanted medical device and includes a non-conductive surround shroud of biocompatible material. The surround shroud is placed around the periphery of the case of the implanted medical device. Various configurations of recesses, each of which contain individual electrodes, are implemented to provide an enhanced signal to noise ratio for improved signal quality.

US Patent:

6750829, Jun 15, 2004

Filed:

Mar 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/102510

Inventors:

Eugene Luoma - Duluth MN
James L. Blesener - White Lake Bear MN
John P. Nicholson - Shoreview MN

Assignee:

ADDCO, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345 11, 345 84

Abstract:

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile sign with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems. The mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a multiplicity of LEDs in a matrixical arrangement for generating electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns of individual LEDs or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs.

US Patent:

6817905, Nov 16, 2004

Filed:

Jun 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/885354

Inventors:

Bryan J. Zart - Shakopee MN
Brian R. Burwick - Guentersville AL
Andrew J. Ries - Lino Lakes MN
John E. Nicholson - Blaine MN
Jay Lahti - Apple Valley MN
Gregory A. Theis - St. Joseph WI

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01R 13405

US Classification:

439736, 29841, 607 36

Abstract:

A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.

US Patent:

6931284, Aug 16, 2005

Filed:

Oct 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/280944

Inventors:

David B. Engmark - Bethel MN, US
John E. Nicholson - Blaine MN, US
Brian S. Child - Phoenix AZ, US
David M. Reinker - Ponte Vedra Beach FL, US

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61N001/375

US Classification:

607 36, 607 32, 607 60

Abstract:

An implantable medical device that includes an enclosure, an electrical module for the desired stimulation, sensing and communications functions, a power source, an air-core antenna, and supporting structures therefore. The antenna includes a quarter-elliptical shape that maximizes the antenna area to facilitate transmission of electromagnetic waves through the enclosure. A support structure is provided so that the antenna, the module and the battery self-align with each other and the enclosure. The support structure contains contacts to facilitate electrical connection of the antenna to the module and positions the module so that contacts thereon are in close proximity in plan and elevation to external electrical feed-throughs in the housing and the antenna contacts on the support structure. The support structure positions the antenna between the module and the housing, separated therefrom by a predetermined minimum distance to facilitate efficient coupling of electromagnetic waves to and/or from the antenna.

US Patent:

7175482, Feb 13, 2007

Filed:

Oct 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/966636

Inventors:

Bryan J. Zart - Shakopee MN, US
Brian R. Burwick - Guentersville AL, US
Andrew J. Ries - Lino Lakes MN, US
John E. Nicholson - Blaine MN, US
Jay Lahti - Apple Valley MN, US
Gregory A. Theis - St. Joseph WI, US

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01R 13/405
H05K 3/30

US Classification:

439736, 29841, 607 36, 607 37

Abstract:

A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.

US Patent:

7272236, Sep 18, 2007

Filed:

Jan 6, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/752107

Inventors:

John Edward Nicholson - Indianapolis IN, US
Patrick Thomas Whitsett - Greenwood IN, US
Lawrence Charles Coan - Indianapolis IN, US

Assignee:

Thomson Licensing - Boulogne-Billancourt

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381345, 381386

Abstract:

A speaker housing for mounting at least one speaker therein is disclosed. The speaker housing includes a speaker enclosure sealed to a speaker cover. The speaker enclosure includes an opening for sealing a connector attached to a crossover printed circuit board assembly thereto. The connector protrudes through the opening in the speaker enclosure while the printed circuit board to which it is attached compresses a compressible gasket against a wall surrounding the opening in the speaker enclosure, sealing the connector thereto. The chassis wiring is coupled to the connector providing an inexpensive sealed interface between the electronics chassis and the crossover board assembly.

US Patent:

7309262, Dec 18, 2007

Filed:

Jan 29, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/668260

Inventors:

Bryan J. Zart - Shakopee MN, US
Andrew J. Ries - Lino Lakes MN, US
Brian R. Burwick - Guntersville AL, US
John E. Nicholson - Blaine MN, US
Jay K. Lahti - Shoreview MN, US
Gregory A. Theis - Apple Valley MN, US

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01R 13/405

US Classification:

439736, 439909, 607 36

Abstract:

A connector assembly for coupling to an implantable medical device includes a core element formed of a first thermoplastic material shaped to receive a connector member for receiving a lead. The connector assembly further includes a circuit member positioned adjacent to the core element. The circuit member includes a portion extending along the core element to the connector member and an antenna structure extending over a portion of the core element outer surface.