Abstract: An electronic shelf includes a plurality of system circuit boards including a first system circuit board containing a first central processing unit (CPU) providing decision-making intelligence for end-user services supported by the first system circuit board. An auxiliary circuit board is connected to the first circuit board and provides input and output communications between the CPU and devices external to both the first system circuit board and auxiliary circuit board. The CPU is solely responsible for decision-making intelligence for management control for at least a predetermined number of system circuit boards while also being responsible for the decision-making intelligence for end-user services supported by the first system circuit board.

Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material comprises a thin layer or layers of alumina, zerconia, or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5-10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils area while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80° C. over a three month period.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a compatible interlayer material such as titanium-nickel alloy placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the eutectic temperature of the interlayer material, where alloys, intermetallics or solid solution formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove unwanted materials, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: A connector (1) and method of making electrical connection between an electrical conductor (7, 11) and a removable electrical device (2). The connector (7, 11) is an elastic material, such as silicone, that is both compatible with the environment and is an electrical insulator. It forces contact between the electrical device (2) and integral contacts (10, 13) in the connector (1) by virtue of its elasticity. The electrodes (4, 6) and the electrical connections are protected from the environment to avoid electrical leakage or corrosion of the electrodes (4, 6).

Abstract: A novel backplane routing and configuration (200) supports a full mesh architecture. In this novel configuration, a circuit pack determines which backplane signals to use for a transmission based on the relative distance across the backplane between the board sending the communication and the board receiving the communication. Boards sending the same relative distance use the same rows of signals (204). That is, each row associated with the meshed interconnection is assigned a relative shift or distance for a connection. The rows (204) that represent a greater relative distance for shift between boards are intermixed next to rows (204) that have a relatively short distance between shifts or boards. In this manner, the number of layers required is minimized and the utilization of routing channels is optimized. In particular, for a N slot backplane with one routing channel between rows, (N/2+1) layers are required, rather than N layers. And, vertical routing is not required.

Abstract: An implantable coaxial lead includes a cable with male and female connectors. The cable includes inner and outer helical coils separated by an inner insulator tube, with an outer insulator tube surrounding the outer helical coil. The male connector includes an outer conductive cylinder, a conductive pin and an insulator molded in between. For increased strength, a braided cylinder, infused with rubber, is included at the juncture of the male connector and the cable. The female connector includes a cylinder formed by two conducting body elements and an intervening insulating body element. The female connector includes respective conductive tension elements configured to engage the male connector. A first seal is provided between the conductive tension members for electrical isolation and tactile feedback. An insertion tool includes a cylinder with a hollow bore and detachable head, and a rod for pulling the lead through the cylinder.

Abstract: An implantable coaxial lead includes a cable with male and female connectors. The cable includes inner and outer helical coils separated by an inner insulator tube, with an outer insulator tube surrounding the outer helical coil. The male connector includes an outer conductive cylinder, a conductive pin and an insulator molded in between. For increased strength, a braided cylinder, infused with rubber, is included at the juncture of the male connector and the cable. The female connector includes a cylinder formed by two conducting body elements and an intervening insulating body element. The female connector includes respective conductive tension elements configured to engage the male connector. A first seal is provided between the conductive tension members for electrical isolation and tactile feedback. An insertion tool includes a cylinder with a hollow bore and detachable head, and a rod for pulling the lead through the cylinder.

Abstract: A connector assembly for electrically interconnecting first and second printed circuit board like members having electrical contacts thereon includes an elongated biasing member for being mounted on the first printed circuit board like member and flexible circuitry mounted on the biasing member. The biasing member possesses arm portions which are spaced apart to define therebetween a longitudinal opening for receiving a second printed circuit board like member. The flexible circuitry mounted on the biasing member includes a plurality of generally parallel-spaced electrical conductors for being electrically connected with the electrical contacts on the first printed circuit board like member when the biasing member is mounted on the first printed circuit board like member.