Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing an in-vivo assessment of relative movement of an implant that is positioned in a living being is provided that comprises a first assembly and a second assembly that are positioned within the living being. The first assembly comprises a passive electrical resonant circuit that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, generates an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon a distance between the first assembly and the second assembly at the time of the electromagnetic coupling.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and system for sensing strain on a portion of an implant positioned in a living being. In one aspect, the apparatus has at least one sensor assembly that can be mountable thereon a portion of the implant and that has a passive electrical resonant circuit that can be configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy. Each sensor assembly, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, can be configured to generate an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon urged movement of a portion of the passive electrical resonant circuit and is indicative of strain applied thereon a portion of the respective sensor assembly.

Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.

Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. A disclosed apparatus determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor and a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A surface micromachined electromagnetically radiating antenna includes a coplanar waveguide on a ground plane coated substrate having a conductor path. The conductor path is coupled to a monopole conductor, which has a generally-cylindrical backbone erected vertically from the substrate and a metal layer deposited on the backbone at a predetermined thickness. The antenna may be fabricated by depositing an epoxy on the ground plane coated substrate to a predetermined depth and according to a pattern. The epoxy is exposed to an ultraviolet source that develops one or more columns according to the pattern. A seed layer of metal may be formed on the developed column. A conductive metal is electrodeposited over the column surface to produce the monopole antenna. Other antenna may be created by adding monopoles and/or conductive metal patches and/or strips that are positioned atop the monopoles and elevated from the substrate.

Abstract: A sensor suitable for in vivo implantation has a capacitive circuit and a three-dimensional inductor coil connected to the capacitive circuit to form an LC circuit. The LC circuit is hermetically encapsulated within an electrically insulating housing. An electrical characteristic of the LC circuit is responsive to a change in an environmental parameter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.

Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hermetically-sealed chamber with an electrical feedthrough includes the step of hermetically fixing an electrode to a substrate in a predetermined location on the substrate. A passage is formed through the substrate through the predetermined location such that at least a portion of the electrode is exposed to the passage. The passage is then at least partially filled with an electrically conductive material. A housing is then formed including the substrate such that the housing defines a chamber, with the electrode being disposed within the housing and the chamber being hermetically sealed. The electrode within the chamber can be placed in electrical communication with an exterior electrical component by way of the electrically conductive material in the passage.

Abstract: A surface micromachined electromagnetically radiating antenna includes a coplanar waveguide on a ground plane coated substrate having a conductor path. The conductor path is coupled to a monopole conductor, which has a generally-cylindrical backbone erected vertically from the substrate and a metal layer deposited on the backbone at a predetermined thickness. The antenna may be fabricated by depositing an epoxy on the ground plane coated substrate to a predetermined depth and according to a pattern. The epoxy is exposed to an ultraviolet source that develops one or more columns according to the pattern. A seed layer of metal may be formed on the developed column. A conductive metal is electrodeposited over the column surface to produce the monopole antenna. Other antenna may be created by adding monopoles and/or conductive metal patches and/or strips that are positioned atop the monopoles and elevated from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for creating one or more structures in a micromachined device. In one arrangement, the methods include the steps of providing a substrate, forming upstanding nonconductive mold walls on the substrate so that first and second wells are formed, the second well being wider than the first well. The method further includes applying a first material to the surface of the wells so that the first well fills with the first material before the second well, and removing the first material from the second well while leaving a portion in the first well.