Abstract: Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fluidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fluidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fluidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.

Abstract: Circuitry for conserving power in a system employing multiple electronic components of which a first electronic component operates at a first frequency and is continuously powered on by a power source. The system further includes a second electronic component operating at a second frequency different than that of the first frequency of the first electric component, the second electronic component being maintained in a powered off state in which no energy whatsoever is consumed by the second electronic component until energized in response to a power enabling signal generated by the first electronic component based on demand of the particular function to be performed by the second electronic component. The first and second electronic components may be processors, wherein the frequency of the first processor is lower than that of the second processor.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with power regulation feedback for improving the robustness of wireless communication transmissions between a receiver and an active emitter irrespective of the distance separation therebetween. The receiver receives wireless communications and detects a voltage induced therein. A feedback loop provides wireless transmission of power regulation feedback based on the detected voltage. The active emitter generates a power regulated data signal in which at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits is adjusted based on the induced voltage received via the feedback loop. The RF power level, modulation index, and/or slew rate of a data signal emitted from the active emitter is regulated by adjusting at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits based on voltage induced in the receiver during a previous communication from the active emitter.

Abstract: Circuitry for conserving power in a system employing multiple electronic components of which a first electronic component operates at a first frequency and is continuously powered on by a power source. The system further includes a second electronic component operating at a second frequency different than that of the first frequency of the first electric component, the second electronic component being maintained in a powered off state in which no energy whatsoever is consumed by the second electronic component until energized in response to a power enabling signal generated by the first electronic component based on demand of the particular function to be performed by the second electronic component. The first and second electronic components may be processors, wherein the frequency of the first processor is lower than that of the second processor.

Abstract: A closed system such as a TET system in which self-testing of all components of the implantable medical device whose malfunction could negatively impact on the proper operation of the closed system is automatically and periodically performed without triggering from an external device. In addition, a closed system including automatic, periodic self-testing of the implantable medical device in which, whenever practical, testing of the components is synchronized with telemetric communication of the external device whereby an external RF field generated by the external device is used to supply necessary power to perform self-testing.

Abstract: Automatic resetting of a group of multiple processors in an electronic device wherein the processors are arranged in either a cascade chain or master-slave configuration. Upon the receipt of an originating reset signal by any one of the multiple processors the remaining processors are reset upon receipt of a forced reset signal generated by one of the processors in the group. The system states prior to the originating reset of each processor is refreshed to ensure compatible synchronization of system states and thus proper communication among the processors.

Abstract: A universal external control device for use by multiple conditional access users with varying access to functionality of an implantable medical device in wireless communication therewith. Circuitry associated with the external control device is used to uniquely identify each of the conditional access users via an access device such as a key or card. Access to functionality of the implantable medical device is restricted by the universal external control device based on the conditional access user identified by the access device.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance valve for a cerebrospinal fluid shunt system includes an actuator for allowing the selection of the resistance to flow of the valve, a device for selecting at least one passage traversing across the valve, and a resistance system. The resistance system includes a set of passages each defining a different resistance to flow. The passages are disposed in a circle facing the selecting device such as to guide the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid traversing the passage of the selecting device through the selected passage of the resistance system. The actuator enables one to change the relative position of the selecting device with respect to the resistance system by a rotational movement to select the desired resistance of the valve.

Abstract: A graphical user interface of an external control device for controlling operation of an implantable medical device while minimizing the occurrence of human error. The graphical user interface displays the operating parameter of the implantable medical device simultaneously as an Arabic numeral and a graphical representation. When a parameter value is adjusted, the current and adjusted values are simultaneously displayed as both an Arabic numeral and graphical representation. Other means are described for increasing the probability of detection of an error during entry of an operating parameter value prior to implementation. Execution of the graphical user interface is subject to interruption. When function of the graphical user interface programming is restored operation resumes from that which it left off prior to interruption.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for monitoring reservoir fluid in an implantable infusion pump. Such methods and devices can be used when the infusion pump has a temperature-dependent component. For example, a method of monitoring reservoir fluid can include obtaining measurements from the reservoir that include corresponding data related to the amount of fluid and temperature in the reservoir. A pair of measurements can be used to monitor the fluid level, or flow rate out of, the reservoir when the corresponding temperatures of the measurements are within a temperature tolerance value. In such an instance, a measured amount difference can be calculated based on the fluid amounts corresponding to the pair of measurements. Other variations of fluid monitoring methods, and implantable infusion pump systems that can perform fluid monitoring, are also described.

Abstract: A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller.

Abstract: A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller.

Abstract: An implantable pump includes a base plate and a can that are parts of the pump housing. The base plate bottom divides the housing into a first electronics chamber and a second chamber. A bellows mechanism is connected to the base plate and is disposed within the second chamber. The bellow mechanism has an expandable sidewall and a bottom plate. The bellow mechanism divides the second chamber into a medicament receiving portion and a non-medicament-receiving portion. The bellow mechanism has an intermediate plate disposed within the medicament-receiving portion. A coil is disposed in a recess on the lower surface of the base plate, and the coil is spaced from an internal wall of the recess. The amount of fluid remaining in the implantable pump can be monitored by energizing the coil. A primary magnetic field is generated by the energized coil.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: A system and method for locating an internal device separated by a boundary from and in wireless communication with an external device. External device includes an active emitter mechanism wherein a carrier signal is modulated by a location interrogation signal thereby generating an external RF power signal during transmission to the internal device. A secondary antenna of the internal device receives the external RF power signal and induces an RF power signal therein that is converted to a DC induced voltage signal. An indication signal proportional to the intensity of the DC induced voltage signal induced in the secondary antenna is produced by the external device. The process is repeated each time the user moves the external device to a new location proximate the patient's body until a maximum DC induced voltage signal measurement is ascertained representative of a specific area in which the internal device is located.

Abstract: Circuitry for conserving power in a system employing multiple electronic components of which a first electronic component operates at a first frequency and is continuously powered on by a power source. The system further includes a second electronic component operating at a second frequency different than that of the first frequency of the first electric component, the second electronic component being maintained in a powered off state in which no energy whatsoever is consumed by the second electronic component until energized in response to a power enabling signal generated by the first electronic component based on demand of the particular function to be performed by the second electronic component. The first and second electronic components may be processors, wherein the frequency of the first processor is lower than that of the second processor.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with power regulation feedback for improving the robustness of wireless communication transmissions between a receiver and an active emitter irrespective of the distance separation therebetween. The receiver receives wireless communications and detects a voltage induced therein. A feedback loop provides wireless transmission of power regulation feedback based on the detected voltage. The active emitter generates a power regulated data signal in which at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits is adjusted based on the induced voltage received via the feedback loop. The RF power level, modulation index, and/or slew rate of a data signal emitted from the active emitter is regulated by adjusting at least one of maximum and minimum bit voltage levels of respective logical high and low bits based on voltage induced in the receiver during a previous communication from the active emitter.

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically powering on and maintaining activation of a powered down electronic component in a first device in RF communication with a second device, wherein the first and second devices are preferably an implantable medical device and an external control device, respectively. The system including power logic circuitry for generating a power on signal to automatically close a switch and energize an otherwise powered off electronic device when the power induced in the first device by external RF energy transmitted in the RF communication signal exceeds a minimum operating threshold of the power on logic circuitry. The electronic component while powered by the power source generates a hold signal and a second power signal that is transmitted to the power on logic circuitry to sustain power to the electronic component irrespective of interruptions of relatively short duration for less than a predetermined period of time in RF communication.

Abstract: A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor has a first substrate, second substrate and a third substrate, each of which has a first side and a second opposite side. The first substrate is connected to the second substrate such that the second side of the first substrate abuts the first side of the second substrate. The third substrate is connected to the second substrate such that the second side of the second substrate abuts the first side of the third substrate. The second substrate has a groove formed therein so as to form a conduit bounded by the second substrate and the second side of the first substrate and the first side of the third substrate. A heater is disposed on the first side of the first substrate opposed to the conduit. A first temperature sensor is disposed on the first side of the first substrate opposed to the conduit.