You can freely build on The First Implantable Cardiac Pacemaker
This patent expired in 1980. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Wilson Greatbatch Technologies Inc
Patent granted
1962
Expired
1980
Forward citations
127
What this patent covers
This patent describes a medical device designed to be implanted inside a patient to provide electrical stimulation to the heart. It uses a transistorized oscillator circuit to generate periodic electrical pulses that mimic the natural rhythm of a heart. These pulses are delivered to the heart muscle via electrodes to keep the heart beating at a steady, healthy rate. The device is powered by a battery, allowing it to function independently within the body for extended periods.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 3057356 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover external pacemakers that remain outside the body.
Does not cover modern pacemakers with wireless communication or remote monitoring features.
Does not cover non-electrical methods of heart rhythm regulation.
Does not cover the specific chemical composition of modern lithium-iodine batteries.
Who is building on this today
Companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott continue to refine the technology pioneered by Greatbatch. These firms have evolved the original design into sophisticated, multi-lead devices that can sense heart activity in real-time.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Early implantable pacemakers used in the 1960s
Modern cardiac rhythm management devices
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Wilson Greatbatch Technologies Inc. US Patent 3057356. Medical cardiac pacemaker. Granted 1962, expired 1980. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.