Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of neurostimulating targeted neural tissues. Also described are stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in atraumatically anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in the body. A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a coiled retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in a body. A lead for stimulating a target neural tissue includes an elongate body; at least one electrode disposed along the elongate body; and a passive retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the elongate body to tissue near the target neural tissue.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various target locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. In some embodiments, the devices, systems and methods stimulate the various spinal levels at specific nerve anatomies, such as the dorsal root DR or more specifically the dorsal root ganglion DRG. Optionally, the devices, systems and methods may be used to stimulate a single DRG or other anatomies.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulating a target tissue, particularly a dorsal root ganglion. The devices and systems have one or more electrodes, wherein the electrodes are positionable in disperse locations within the specific target area. In some embodiments, the position of at least some of the electrodes is adjustable and optionally independently positionable. Some or all of the electrodes may be used to stimulate the desired tissue, such as to stimulate a specific portion of the target area. Or, the one or more electrodes that fall near the target tissue may be used to stimulate the tissue while the other electrodes are not used. When stimulating the dorsal root ganglion, sensory pain signals are blocked providing relief to the patient.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. By stimulating multiple levels of the spinal column with the use of a single device, a single access path is created to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) rather than individual access paths for each lead at each spinal level to an IPG. By reducing the number of pathways, the procedure complexity, time and recovery are reduced. In addition, some embodiments provide additional specificity within each targeted level, such as selective stimulation of specific tissue, such as the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulation of tissues and structures within a body of a patient. In particular, implantable leads are provided which are comprised of a flexible circuit. Typically, the flexible circuit includes an array of conductors bonded to a thin dielectric film. Example dielectric films include polyimide, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or other biocompatible materials to name a few. Such leads are particularly suitable for stimulation of the spinal anatomy, more particularly suitable for stimulation of specific nerve anatomies, such as the dorsal root (optionally including the dorsal root ganglion).

Abstract: A driver supplying a total current to a load has a plurality (n) of driver stages (ST1 . . . STn). One stage is a master stage. Each driver stage has a switching device (Q) and an inductor (L) connected in series between the switching device and the output of the driver stage. The switching devices are turned ON in sequence with one another, during a cycle time (Tc) which is determined by sensing current through the inductor (L1) in the master stage. When the switching device is turned ON current through the inductor rises, when the inductor current reaches the value of a demanded current the switch is turned OFF, and after the switch is turned OFF the inductor continues to supply (output) current to the load with a current which ramps down. A rectifying device (D) connected between the inductor and the supply line allows current to continue to flow in the inductor and be supplied to the load after the switch is turned OFF.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for modulating neural tissue including systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of targeted neural tissue. Targeted neural tissue may include one or more ganglia including those of the spinal nerves in the dorsal root and the sympathetic chain. Methods also include implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more nerve root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a nerve root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more nerve root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a nerve root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A capacitor is connected to the output of a multiphase power converter, and a current-driven device (e.g., LED or laser diode) is also connected to the power converter output. A solid state switch (FET or IGBT) is connected in series with the current-driven device. Means are provided for sensing current through the current-driven device. An error amplifier compares sensed current through the current-driven device with a current level demand signal and controls the output of the power converter. Means are provided for turning the switch on and off and may be (i) a fast comparator receiving a voltage reference signal at one input and the current level demand signal at another input, and outputting the switch on/off signal to the switch or (ii) an externally-generated logic signal provided directly to the switch.

Abstract: Methods of treating a host suffering from restenosis are provided. The methods include delivery of a stent coated with a hypoestoxide, hypoestoxide derivative or hypoestoxide agonist compound to a vessel. The methods further include the administration of a chemotherapeutic agent in combination with delivery of a stent coated with a hypoestoxide, hypoestoxide derivative or hypoestoxide agonist compound to a vessel. The chemotherapeutic agent may be coated on the stent or administered systemically.

Abstract: A white or colored thixotropic gel is used in conjunction with an electro-mechanical addressable X-Y pixel array composed of micro-magnet pairs in order to produce a re-writable display surface for forming images. Images are formed on the surface of this display by changing the state of transparency of the gel surface, from semi-solid to semi-liquid as a result of thixotropic bond shearing. In addition, pixels are capsules filled with any given color. Furthermore, each active color capsule is forced upwards by magnetic repulsion between the twin-micro-magnet elements to help form images and break the surface tension of the gel and press against the front layer film and forming a visible pixel or; downwards to help erase the image by means of magnetic attraction between the two micro-magnets located directly underneath each pixel.

Abstract: Current (ip) flowing in the primary of a transformer in a full wave bridge converter is monitored and compared against thresholds (+imax, +imin, ?imax, ?imin). When the input voltage is adequate, the full wave bridge converter is operated in a normal manner. When the input voltage is insufficient to cause the current ip ramp reach the first threshold before a first predetermined timeout period (t1), the pulse is truncated and a next portion of the cycle is initiated and, providing that the current at the end of the first timeout period exceeds a second, lower threshold current (+imin), continuing to operate the full wave bridge converter in a normal manner.

Abstract: A structure of a substrate for a high-density semiconductor package is provided. The structure of the substrate comprises a metal substrate and an interconnect substrate disposed on the second surface of the metal substrate. The interconnect substrate comprises at least one or more metal and inter-metal dielectric layers comprising a plurality of traces/lines, pads and vias appropriate for the design. One or more dice are attached to the top surface of the metal substrate, wire bonds are used to connect the dice through open slots on the metal substrate to the Ni/Au plated pads on the interconnect substrate. The uppermost wiring layers are electrically connected to the ball pads on the bottom surface through a plurality of wiring layers and conductive vias. The ball pads are attached to the lowest wiring layer.

Abstract: Fast rise time to high currents in a load such as a laser diode array is achieved by connecting an inductor between a power supply and an end of the diode array. A switching element, is connected between the other end of the diode array and ground. A shunt switch is connected across the diode array. When the shunt switch is opened, energy stored in the inductor is suddenly delivered to the diode array. A diode may be connected between the other end of the diode array and the input of the driver. A current monitor may be connected in series with the diode array. An overall system comprises the diode array driver(s) and at least a portion of the power supply-namely, an energy storage capacitor. A value for energy storage capacitor in the power supply may be selected to produce a maximally flat-top pulse shape. A source voltage provided by the power supply may be greater than, substantially equal to, or less than the voltage required by the diode.

Abstract: In a laser rangefinder receiver, a return signal from a light-sensitive detector is passed through a high-pass filter, and is then processed in two separate circuit paths, a “signal” path and a “noise” path. The “signal” path employs a time-variable offset scheme to control receiver sensitivity. The “noise” path measures noise in the return signal, and maintain a noise-based threshold independent of the time-variable sensitivity of the “signal” path. No interstage coupling capacitors are employed, which contributes greatly to the receiver's quick saturation recovery.

Abstract: A non-delayed input signal is provided to a first comparator input and, a delayed input signal is applied to a second comparator input. An offset voltage is applied between the delayed and non-delayed signals at the comparator inputs. When an input pulse appears on the input signal, the non-delayed input signal will rise immediately and maintain itself more positive than the delayed input, keeping the comparator output inactive. As long as the input signal is rising, the comparator output is maintained low, or inactive. When the non-delayed signal reaches its peak and turns downward, the delayed input signal is still rising and crosses over the first pulse, creating a change of state at the comparator output to a high or active state. The signal edge resulting from this change of start represents initial detection of an input pulse. The time of occurrence of this detection edge is substantially independent of the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A new method is provided for mounting high-density IC semiconductor devices. A layer of epoxy is deposited over the first surface of a metal panel. One or more thin film interconnect layers are then created on top of the epoxy layer. The BUM technology allows for the creation of a succession of layers over the thin film layers. The combined layers of thin film and BUM form the interconnect substrate. One or more cavities are created in the second surface of the metal panel; openings through the layer of epoxy are created where the layer of epoxy is exposed. One or more IC semiconductor die are inserted into the cavities, are electrically connected to the openings that have been created in the layer of epoxy. Openings are created in the bottom BUM layer; solder balls are inserted and attached to this BUM layer for the completion of the Ball Grid Array (BGA) package.

Abstract: A low-noise current source driver for a laser diode load is achieved by means of a current-regulated supply connected across the load, and a shunt regulator. The shunt regulator comprises a shunting element, a current sensing element for sensing current conducted through the load, and an error amplifier responsive to a difference between the current sensed by the current sensing element and a first reference current. The current regulator is designed to respond to a signal a signal representative of a second reference current to produce an appropriate corresponding output current. The shunting element is connected across the power supply and load, and is controlled by the error amplifier to conduct all current from the current regulated supply in excess of the first reference current.