THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Brandt, William Andrew
Dearden, Brian Ralph
Abstract
An electrode that includes an elongate lead body and a nerve cuff. The nerve cuff may include a biologically compatible, elastic, electrically insulative helical cuff body configured to be disposed around a nerve, and a plurality of electrically conductive contacts carried by the helical cuff body that are spaced from one another.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Mech, Brian V.
Greenberg, Robert J.
Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for neuromodulation using a housing that at least partially contains a stimulator assembly, wherein the stimulator assembly is configured to generate vibration by mechanical oscillation and/or using a sound wave; and wherein the vibration generated by the stimulator assembly is configured to therapeutically treat the subject by stimulating one or more nerves when the housing is placed in proximity to or on a skin surface of a subject.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Jenney, Christopher Reed
Gotlib, Oren
Calderon, Joseph
Brandt, William Andrew
Talbot, Neil
Abstract
An electrode that includes an elongate lead body and a nerve cuff. The nerve cuff may include a biologically compatible, elastic, electrically insulative cuff body configured to be circumferentially disposed around a nerve, first and second relatively wide electrically conductive contacts carried by the cuff body that are spaced from one another in the length direction and that extend in the width direction to such an extent that they extend completely around the cuff body inner lumen when the cuff body is in the pre-set furled shape, and a plurality of relatively narrow electrically conductive contacts carried by the cuff body that are spaced from one another in the width direction and are located between the first and second relatively wide electrically conductive contacts.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Mech, Brian V.
Greenberg, Robert J.
Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting, monitoring, and/or treating obstructive sleep apnea, as well as other conditions, using vital sign and/or biometric data collected and/or imputed from one or more photoplethysmography sensors in conjunction with vital sign and/or biometric data from one or more additional sensors such as activity, body position, ECG, HR, or SpO2 levels, e.g., as feedback to control therapy and/or to titrate therapy on a periodic basis.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
5.
A STIMULATION SYSTEM INCLUDING A MULTI-ELECTRODE EAR SHELL AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Klein, Valma
Abstract
A multi-electrode ear shell includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface corresponding to a surface of an ear and being configured to overlap a cymba and a cavum of the ear. The multi-electrode ear shell further includes a first socket to receive a first stimulation electrode and a second socket to receive a second stimulation electrode.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Elyahoodayan, Sahar
Shelton, Brian M.
Talbot, Neil H.
Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the IMU is configured to detect chest and/or abdominal movement by a patient during the inspiration and expiration stages of a respiratory cycle and to generate positional data based on the detected movement. Positional data generated by the IMU is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Loo, Justin Cheng-Tsu
Abstract
A wireless power transfer system includes a wireless power transfer device. The wireless power transfer device includes a first transmitting coil oriented along a first axis; a second transmitting coil on the first transmitting coil and oriented along a second axis different from the first axis; and a nonmagnetic material magnetically decoupling the first transmitting coil from the second transmitting coil in an area of overlap between the first and second transmitting coils.
H02J 50/00 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
H02J 50/70 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Elyahoodayan, Sahar
Shelton, Brian M.
Talbot, Neil H.
Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the IMU is configured to detect chest and/or abdominal movement by a patient during the inspiration and expiration stages of a respiratory cycle and to generate positional data based on the detected movement. Positional data generated by the IMU is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian Ralph
Shelton, Brian M.
Talbot, Neil
Abstract
An electrode that includes an elongate lead body and a nerve cuff. The nerve cuff may include a biologically compatible, elastic, electrically insulative cuff body configured to be circumferentially disposed around a nerve, first and second relatively wide electrically conductive contacts carried by the cuff body that are spaced from one another in the length direction and that extend in the width direction to such an extent that they extend completely around the cuff body inner lumen when the cuff body is in the pre-set furled shape, and a plurality of relatively narrow electrically conductive contacts carried by the cuff body that are spaced from one another in the width direction and are located between the first and second relatively wide electrically conductive contacts.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Shelton, Brian M.
Elyahoodayan, Sahar
Suri, Harshit R.
Abstract
The disclosure provides systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea using an acoustic sensor configured to detect acoustic sounds generated by the heart and lungs. Sensory data from the acoustic sensor is used by an implanted stimulation system to determine when to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve, to treat sleep apnea.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Greenberg, Robert J.
Suri, Harshit R.
Calderon, Joseph L.
Dearden, Brian R.
Abstract
Systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea having an implanted stimulator with an internal sensor configured to generate sensory data corresponding to movement of the thoracic or abdominal cavity of a patient during respiration. The system includes a wireless communications link between the stimulator and at least one external sensor for sensing a patient's physiological parameter and is used to augment the sensory data from the internal sensor. The stimulator includes a stimulation system configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve which innervates an upper airway muscle, such as the hypoglossal nerve to treat sleep apnea.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Petrovich, John G.
Abstract
Skin patch sensors for monitoring and/or affecting body parameters, with alignment, positioning and attachment using magnets. The repeated use of releasable adhesive layers to retain skin patch sensors on skin can cause skin irritation, which can be reduced by rotating a skin patch between attachment times around a magnetically coupled pivot point. Skin patch sensors can be configured with internal coils to inductively couple to external power transmitting and communications coils with solenoids in anti-Helmholtz configurations.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Ng, Boon Khai
Calderon, Joseph L.
Abstract
An electrode lead comprises a lead body, connector contacts affixed to the proximal end of the lead body, and a cuff body affixed to the distal end of the lead body. The cuff body is pre-shaped to transition from an unfurled state to a furled state, wherein the cuff body, when in the furled state has an inner surface for contacting a nerve and an overlapping inner cuff region and an outer cuff region. The electrode lead further comprise electrode contacts circumferentially disposed along the cuff body when in the furled state, such that at least one of the electrode contacts is located on the inner surface of the cuff body, and at least another of the electrode contacts is located between the overlapping inner and outer cuff regions. The electrode lead further comprises electrical conductors extending through the lead body respectively between the connector contacts and the electrode contacts.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Lee, Edward K. F.
Suri, Harshit R.
Abstract
A medical system and method of communicating between a telemetry controller and a plurality of medical devices implanted within a patient is provided. Communication links are respectively established between the telemetry controller and the implanted medical devices. The communication links are respectively amplitude modulated by the implanted medical devices at modulation levels using load modulation. Received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) of the amplitude modulated communication links for the implanted medical devices are measured. A variation of the RSSIs is decreased by modifying, based on the measured RSSIs, at least one modulation level at which the respective at least one communication link is amplitude modulated by the respective implanted medical device(s).
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Suri, Harshit
Calderon, Joseph L.
Molnar, Gregory Frederick
Goding, Jr., George S.
Atyabi, Alanie
Schmidt, Siegmar
Dai, William
Dearden, Brian R.
Keenan, Desmond B.
Abstract
An electrode lead comprises an electrically insulative cuff body and at least three axially aligned electrode contacts circumferentially disposed along the inner surface of the cuff body when in the furled state. The electrode contacts may be circumferentially disposed around a nerve, and an electrical pulse train may be delivered to the electrode contacts thereby stimulating the nerve to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The electrical pulse train may be one that pre-conditions peripherally located nerve fascicles to not be stimulated, while stimulating centrally located nerve fascicles. A feedback mechanism can be used to titrate electrode contacts and electrical pulse train to the patient. A sensor that is affixed to the case of a neurostimulator can be used to measure physiological artifacts of respiration, and a motion detector can be used to sense tapping of the neurostimulator to toggle the neurostimulator between an ON position and an OFF position.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian
Suri, Harshit
Lee, Edward K. F.
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, various embodiments of neurostimulators and stimulation systems are disclosed that provide different shapes and patterns of stimulus pulses and trains of pulses with fixed and no fixed frequencies. The neurostimulator can be configured to provide high frequency stimulation and also be implantable in the head or neck regions in order to stimulate nerves and nerve ganglions in the head and neck regions and also stimulate the brain.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Schmidt, Siegmar
Ng, Boon Khai
Dearden, Brian R.
Hansen, Morten
Abstract
An electrode lead may comprise a flexible circuit that includes a planar dielectric substrate including an elongated lead substrate portion having opposing ends, an electrode carrying substrate portion disposed on one end of the lead substrate portion, and a connector substrate portion disposed on the other end of the lead substrate portion, wherein the lead substrate portion is pre-shaped into a three-dimensional structure. The flexible circuit may further include an electrically conductive trace extending from the connector substrate portion to the electrode carrying substrate portion, a first window formed in the connector substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form a connector pad, and a second window formed in the electrode carrying substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form an electrode pad. The electrode lead may further comprise a lead connector that incorporates the connector substrate portion.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Schmidt, Siegmar
Dai, William A.
Ng, Boon Khai
Abstract
Pressure sensors having ring-tensioned membranes are disclosed. A tensioning ring is bonded to a membrane in a manner that results in the tensioning ring applying a tensile force to the membrane, flattening the membrane and reducing or eliminating defects that may have occurred during production. The membrane is bonded to the sensor housing at a point outside the tensioning ring, preventing the process of bonding the membrane to the housing from introducing defects into the tensioned portion of the membrane. A dielectric may be introduced into the gap between the membrane and the counter electrode in a capacitive pressure sensor, resulting in an improved dynamic range.
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
G01L 19/04 - Means for compensating for effects of changes of temperature
G01L 19/06 - Means for preventing overload or deleterious influence of the measured medium on the measuring device or vice versa
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Rodriguez, Saul
Han, Dianna (dan)
Istoc, Emil
Abstract
A medical device of a medical system is configured for communicating with an external programmer over a wireless communications link. The medical device comprises a wireless communications module configured for receiving a first unencrypted version of a random number and a first encrypted version of the random number from the external programmer over the wireless communications link. The medical device further comprises control circuitry configured for performing an authentication procedure on the external programmer based on the first unencrypted version of the random number and the first encrypted version of the random number, and preventing the external programmer from commanding the medical device to perform an action unless the authentication procedure is successful.
G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 12/37 - Managing security policies for mobile devices or for controlling mobile applications
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/52 - Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
H04L 69/40 - Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass for recovering from a failure of a protocol instance or entity, e.g. service redundancy protocols, protocol state redundancy or protocol service redirection
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
21.
INDUCTIVE LINK COIL DE-TUNING COMPENSATION AND CONTROL
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Griffith, Glen A.
Abstract
An inductive wireless power transfer and communication system includes an electrostatic shield for one of the coils. The electrostatic shield is inductively coupled with the coil and is configured as an open circuit. A signal processing element or elements, especially a modulator or a demodulator, are connected across the electrical discontinuity in the electrostatic shield. Because the electrostatic shield is inductively coupled to the coil, the modulator or demodulator can operate on the signal on the coil. A variable impedance element is connected across the electrical discontinuity in the electrostatic shield. Because the electrostatic shield is inductively coupled to the coil, the variable impedance element can tune the impedance of the system.
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Calderon, Joseph
Hillery, Edward
Lockhart, Joseph
Abstract
An interface for coupling with a percutaneously implantable lead is described. The interface includes a rotation based system to engage the terminal connector of the lead. The interface includes a brake which retains the lead in the lead port through friction, but allows the lead to exit the lead port if sufficient force is applied. The interface can be coupled with the lead without removing a stylet or stiffening wire from the lead.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Jiang, Guangqiang
He, Tom
Abstract
The various implementations described herein include methods used to manufacture a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the method includes providing a tubular structure having an outer surface and providing a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. The method further includes joining at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil to the outer surface of the tubular structure.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Jiang, Guangqiang
He, Tom
Abstract
The various implementations described herein include a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the percutaneous port includes a tubular structure having an outer surface, and a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil is joined to the outer surface of the tubular structure.
ALFRED E MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Griffith, Glen
Abstract
An inductive wireless power transfer and communication system includes an electrostatic shield for one of the coils. The electrostatic shield is inductively coupled with the coil and is configured as an open circuit. A signal processing element or elements, especially a modulator or a demodulator, are connected across the electrical discontinuity in the electrostatic shield. Because the electrostatic shield is inductively coupled to the coil, the modulator or demodulator can operate on the signal on the coil.
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Griffith, Glen A.
Abstract
Systems and devices for a high-efficiency magnetic link for implantable devices are disclosed herein. These devices can include a charging coil located in the implantable device and a charging coil located in a charge head of a charger. The charging coils can each include an elongate core and wire windings wrapped around a longitudinal axis of the elongate core. The charging coil of the charge head can be attached to a rotatable mount, which can be used to align the longitudinal axis of the charging coil of the charge head with longitudinal axis of the implantable device such that the axes of the charging coils are parallel.
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Wolfe, James H.
Khemani, Manish
Abstract
A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying ("FSK") module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Shelton, Brian M.
Wolfe, James H.
Abstract
A charger that evaluates the effectiveness of the charging field generated by the charger at an implantable device. The charger includes a charging coil, a communication module, and a processor. The processor can include instructions to determine the effectiveness of the charging field based on one or several signals or communications received from the implantable device. The charger can use the determination of the effectiveness of the charging field to vary the strength of the charging field and/or to prompt the user to move the charger with respect to the implantable device.
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Dearden, Brian R.
Wolfe, James H.
Khemani, Manish
Abstract
A charger including a class E power driver, a frequency-shift keying ("FSK") module, and a processor. The processor can receive data relating to the operation of the class E power driver and can control the class E power driver based on the received data relating to the operation of the class E power driver. The processor can additionally control the FSK module to modulate the natural frequency of the class E power transformer to thereby allow the simultaneous recharging of an implantable device and the transmission of data to the implantable device. The processor can additionally compensate for propagation delays by adjusting switching times.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
30.
HIGH RELIABILITY WIRE WELDING FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Schmidt, Siegmar
Abstract
Methods of making an implantable pulse generator are disclosed herein. The implantable pulse generator can include a body defining an internal volume and a plurality of wires extending from out of the internal volume of the body. Some of these wires can be connected, either directly or indirectly to a lead via a welded joint. The welded joint can be created by first resistance welding and then laser welding some of the wires to a connector.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Shelton, Brian M.
Hansen, Morten
Abstract
A multi-branch stimulation electrode is disclosed herein. The multi-branch stimulation electrode can include a plurality of branches that extend from a hub. The branches can each include one or several stimulation contacts that can deliver an electrical current to tissue contacting the stimulation contacts. The stimulation contacts can be electrically connected with the lead. The lead can extend from the hub and can be connected with the pulse generator. The branches can include features to facilitate implantation including, for example, one or several removable stiffening elements.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Shelton, Brian M.
Dearden, Brian R.
Wolfe, James H.
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for wireless recharging of an implanted device. In response to receiving identification information from an implanted device, a charger can set an electrical field to a first field strength and receive first field strength information from the implanted device. The charger can then set the electrical field to a second field strength and receive second field strength information from the implanted device. This information relating to the first and second field strengths can be used to determine whether to recharge the implanted device.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Lee, Edward K. F.
Abstract
A multiple output current stimulator circuit with fast turn on time is described. At least one pair of input side and output side transistors is arranged in a current mirror connected to a supply transistor by cascode coupling. The output side transistor supplies stimulation current to an electrode in contact with tissue. An operational amplifier connected to a reference voltage and to the output side transistor drives the supply transistor to maintain the voltage at the output side transistor equal to the reference voltage. The at least one pair of transistors includes multiple pairs of transistors whose output side transistors drive respective electrodes with stimulation currents. The stimulator determines the initiation and duration of stimulation current pulses supplied to each electrode. At circuit activation, large currents are generated which discharge capacitances in the output side transistors causing rapid output side transistor turn on.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Lee, Edward K. F.
Abstract
A successive approximation ADC made of a low voltage configurable differential amplifier and low voltage logic circuits which can convert a high voltage analog input to a digital equivalent. The differential amplifier can be configured as either an op amp or a comparator depending upon the mode of operation. An input capacitor C1 is switchably coupled to an electrode selected for voltage sampling. A switched capacitor array C2 is coupled across the differential amplifier input and output. A SAR coupled to the switched capacitor array provides a digital output corresponding to the sampled analog voltage. During a sampling interval and a charge transfer interval, the differential amplifier is configured as an op amp. During the transfer interval, the voltage on the input capacitor multiplied by the ratio C1/C2 is transferred to the switched capacitor array. During an analog to digital conversion interval, the ADC converts the analog voltage to an equivalent digital output.
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
H03M 1/46 - Analogue value compared with reference values sequentially only, e.g. successive approximation type with digital/analogue converter for supplying reference values to converter
35.
FEEDBACK CONTROLLED COIL DRIVER FOR INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Lee, Edward K.F.
Abstract
A fully integrated feedback controlled coil driver (500) is disclosed for inductive power transfer to electronic devices. For efficient power transfer, a voltage across a switch (516) that switchably couples the coil (512) between a DC input power source (501) and ground is sampled and compared with a preselected reference voltage (536) to generate an error voltage (542). The error voltage (542) is integrated over time and compared to a voltage ramp (554). The value of the integrated error voltage relative to the voltage ramp is used to obtain an optimal on time for the switch (516) such that coil current is maximized for a given DC input power.
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Schmidt, Siegmar
Byers, Charles L.
Jiang, Guangqiang
Dearden, Brian
Gord, John
Rodriguez, Daniel
Abstract
A hermetically sealed biocompatible pressure sensor module configured for implant at a desired site at which a pressure is to be measured. Anodic bonding of the pressure module package components which have similar thermal coefficients of expansion provides low stress bonding and maintains long term reliability, dependability and accuracy. The pressure sensor module includes a pressure sensitive membrane which is in direct contact with the environment at which a pressure is to be measured. The pressure sensor module forms a part of a pressure measuring system which uses a telemetry link between the pressure sensor module and an external controller for data transmission and transfer. Operating power for the pressure sensor module is provided by the ex - ternal controller and an internal re¨ chargeable energy storage component. Accordingly, the pressure measuring system provides a dual stage power and data transfer capability for use with an implantable system. An exemplary use of the pressure sensor module is in a three pressure sensor system including a flow control valve in a shunt to treat hydrocephalus. The use of integrated circuit chips and an internal coil with an optional ferrite core in the pressure sensor module provides for low power consumption and reliable signal processing. An embodiment of the invention includes a pressure sensor and associated electromagnetic coils embedded in the tip portion of the shunt for measuring the pressure of fluid externally of the shunt at the tip portion.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Lee, Edward K. F.
Abstract
A timing controlled converter for converting a time varying input signal to a regulated DC output voltage for application to a load circuit A feedback loop is employed as a control means for switchably coupling the time varying input signal to the load circuit for controlled periods of time in a manner so as to provide an average load voltage equal to a reference voltage. The duration of the controlled periods of time is a function of: the difference between the time varying input signal and the output voltage; and the integral of the difference between the output voltage and the reference voltage.
THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Hess, Phillip B.
Nercessian, Patrick
Abstract
A system and method for improving the processing of communications signals received in the presence of narrowband interference signals. The received communications signals are time sampled and transformed into a series of spectral terms in the frequency domain that are then evaluated to identify narrowband interference signals. The identified narrowband interference terms can be calculated to a value that will optimize the corrupted spectral terms resulting from the communication, and an inverse transformation can be used to generate a time domain signal that is free from interference.
H04B 1/12 - Neutralising, balancing, or compensation arrangements
H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference
39.
PLACEMENT STRUCTURE FOR FACILITATING PLACEMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE PROXIMATE TO NEURAL/MUSCULAR TISSUE FOR AFFECTING AND/OR SENSING NEURAL/MUSCULAR TISSUE
ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (USA)
Inventor
Zilberman, Yitzhak
Davis, Ross
Mandell, Lee J.
Schulman, Joseph H.
Abstract
A device configured for implanting beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. Devices in accordance with the invention are comprised of a sealed housing, typically having an axial dimension of less than 60 mm and a lateral dimension of less than 6 mm, containing a power source for powering electronic circuitry within including a controller, an address storage means, a data signal receiver and an input/output transducer. When used as a stimulator, such a device is useful in a wide variety of applications to stimulate nerves and associated neural pathways. Alternatively, devices of the present invention are configurable to monitor a biological parameter. Furthermore, a placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural / muscular tissue.