Abstract: A method for making a seal between a sealing glass and titanium by forming a nitride layer on the titanium and then sealing the glass to the nitrided titanium. The formation of the nitride layer can be accomplished by the steps of placing the titanium in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere comprising a major amount of an inert gas and a minor amount of nitrogen and heating the titanium in that atmosphere to a temperature of at least 300.degree. C. The method allows for the formation of the nitride layer and the glass seal in a single operation. The method works well in the manufacture of feedthroughs with conventional processing equipment.

Abstract: Use of molydenum-containing alloys to induce wetting by TA-23 glass in metallic feedthroughs.

Abstract: Boroaluminasilicate glass and blended compositions thereof with aluminasilicate glass as seals in feedthroughs.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.

Abstract: A hermetic, leak-proof, corrosion resistant electrical feedthrough especially for use with implantable pulse generators. The feedthrough includes a titanium or niobium ferrule, an alumina insulator with a niobium braze area thereon positioned within the ferrule and sealed to the ferrule by a braze of gold at the braze area, electrical lead wires of niobium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum or alloys thereof extending through corresponding openings in the insulator, and a body of fusible glass joining and sealing each lead wire to the insulator.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.

Abstract: A heart pacemaker including a two wave length reflectance oximeter for determining oxygen saturation. The pacing rate is increased or decreased in response to the measured oxygen saturation. By appropriate multiplexing and timing functions, the two wave length reflectance oximeter is included in a pacing lead coupled to the pacemaker which requires only three conductors.

Abstract: A heart pacemaker including a two wave length reflectance oximeter for determining oxygen saturation. The pacing rate is increased or decreased in response to the measured oxygen saturation. By appropriate multiplexing and timing functions, the two wave length reflectance oximeter is included in a pacing lead coupled to the pacemaker which requires only three conductors.

Abstract: A heart pacemaker including a two wave length reflectance oximeter for determining oxygen saturation. The pacing rate is increased or decreased in response to the measured oxygen saturation. By appropriate multiplexing and timing functions, the two wave length reflectance oximeter is included in a pacing lead coupled to the pacemaker which requires only three conductors.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronics, particularly adapted for implantation in the human body. The enclosure is provided with at least one transparent wall allowing it to be used in applications requiring light emission or light detection such as reflectance oximeters. The mechanical elements of the enclosure are particularly adapted to facilitate the use of welding to provide a hermetic seal for the enclosure.

Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough consisting of a niobium electrical lead-in wire surrounded by an alumina insulator which is carried by a niobium ferrule, the feedthrough being particularly adapted for being welded to the titanium container of an implantable medical device. The niobium and alumina parts are joined together by means of a pure gold braze, the surfaces of the alumina being first metallized with a layer of niobium, titanium or niobium/titanium and an optional overlying layer of gold.

Abstract: New alloys containing gold, vanadium, yttrium and/or scandium, optionally including niobium. The alloys are particularly suitable for brazing and for metallizing, most particularly for brazing hermetic ceramic-metal seals. Unique brazing structures and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: New alloys containing gold, vanadium, yttrium and/or scandium, optionally including niobium. The alloys are particularly suitable for brazing and for metallizing, most particularly for brazing hermetic ceramic-metal seals. Unique brazing structures and methods are also disclosed.