Abstract: A signal generator assembly having a signal generator and a preformed connector mechanically secured to each other. Posts extend from the signal generator into apertures in the connector. Orifices in the connector intersect the apertures and means are provided to engage the posts within the apertures through the orifices. In a preferred embodiment, the posts are provided with keyways and keys are inserted through the orifices to engage the keyways. The keys may be formed as wedges, preferably having a locking taper, to urge the connector and signal generator into firmer contact. A resilient cushion may be provided between the connector and the signal generator to enhance the interaction of the components.

Abstract: An improved connector for interconnecting a furcated lead and signal generator to form a body implantable stimulator. The connector is secured to the signal generator to form a signal generator assembly. Jacks are provided in the connector to receive the lead furculae while facilitating conformance of furculae to the configuration of the signal generator assembly on wrapping of the furculae around the signal generator assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the jacks accept the furculae at different distances from the signal generator to allow a thinner signal generator assembly and at different depths to compensate for the difference in distance of the jacks from the signal generator.

Abstract: A body implantable device for providing electrical stimulation to living animal tissue. The device includes a pulse generator having at least one alterable output parameter and circuitry responsive to first externally generated signals for altering the alterable output parameter in predetermined correspondence with the number of said first signals. The output parameter altering circuitry is enabled only during the occurrence of second signals having characteristics discriminable from the characteristics of the first signals. In a preferred embodiment, the first signals are pulses of radio frequency energy and the second signals are magnetic. The invention may be embodied in a cardiac pacemaker of either the asynchronous or demand type and the second signals may be employed to cause a demand cardiac pacemaker to revert to an asynchronous operation.

Abstract: An enclosure of the type having a plurality of members weldable to each other to enclose and hermetically seal a pulse generator. In the present invention, the members consist of first and second members or segments each having a continuous side wall with the side walls having generally circular termini of substantially equal diameter. When the sidewall termini are in abutting relation to each other, rotation of the members about the axes of the circular termini will present the entirety of the abutment to substantially the same location for sealing, as by welding, for example. One or both of the side walls may be provided with one or more recessed areas to facilitate electrical communication with the enclosed pulse generator, each recessed area being formed by a platform subtending a portion of the arc of the sidewall circular termini and a web extending between the platform and the subtended portion of the circular termini.

Abstract: A power-pack assembly including a bobbin, at least primary and secondary windings wound on the bobbin and a core carried by the bobbin. Solderless connection devices are secured to the bobbin and electrically connected to the windings. The solderless connection devices include clips which engage input and output terminals to make an electrical and mechanical connection therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the terminals are carried by a terminal block which provides a single step plug-in connection between the connection devices and the terminals. A core-grounding system is also disclosed which includes a core-grounding terminal, a spring for electrically contacting the core and a clip secured to the bobbin for engaging the core-grounding terminal and maintaining it in electrical contact with the spring.

Abstract: A system for the electrical treatment of spinal curvature through the exercise of selected spinal muscles. A probe having a blunt, muscle-penetrating tip is fitted with a sleeve such that its tip extends from the sleeve. A helical electrode is mounted on an elongated tool capable of imparting a rotational force to the electrode while allowing a disengagement with the electrode in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The probe is inserted in the paraspinal muscles and is removed while leaving the sleeve within the muscle. The electrode-tool assembly is inserted through the sleeve and the electrode secured in the paraspinal muscles by a rotational force applied to the tool. After electrode securement, the tool is withdrawn from the sleeve and the sleeve withdrawn from the muscle leaving the electrode secured within the muscle.

Abstract: A device for the non-invasive programming of an implantable body stimulator. The device includes a power supply and circuitry for generating and transmitting a preselected number of pulses of radio frequency energy. A push-button switch initiates the operation of the pulse-generating circuitry and the power supply is enabled only during an interval of predetermined duration following the initiating of operation of the pulse-generating circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply includes a power source, such as batteries, and a voltage regulator for establishing a substantially constant supply voltage for all power source voltages above a preselected level. The device may include circuitry for indicating the establishment of the substantially constant supply voltage as well as circuitry for preventing the transmission of any programming pulses upon a failure to establish the substantially constant supply voltage level.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system for selectively stimulating portions of the body. The system includes an external device for alternately transmitting stimulus signals and control signals to an implantable receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of output devies adapted to apply the stimulus signals to the body and circuitry for routing the stimulus signal to the output devices under the control of the control signals. In a preferred embodiment, the control signals are formed of an alterably preselected number of pulse signals with the routing circuitry routing each of the stimulus signals to the output devices in predetermined correspondance with the number of pulse signals within a different one of the control signals. The system of the present invention may be employed to sequentially stimulate several stimulation sites, with the stimulation sites being selected to combat the same or different body disfunctions.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing instrument and method for introducing a fluid, as drug materials, into the canals of the Fallopian tubes of a primate female. The dispensing instrument has a tubular probe carrying an expandable balloon assembly. A stop collar on the probe positions the balloon assembly in the uterine cavity. The balloon assembly has a sleeve member which is initially expanded to close the lower portion of the uterine cavity. The drug material is introduced through the probe into the upper portion of the uterine cavity above the expanded balloon assembly. The balloon assembly is then further expanded to force the drug material from the upper portion of the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. The expanding balloon assembly divides the material and forces the drug material into both of the canals.