Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a method of manufacturing an implantable neural electrode. The method includes cutting a metal layer to form a plurality of electrode sites, contact pads and metal traces connecting the electrode sites to the contact pads. A first silicone layer including a mesh is formed and coupled to the metal layer. A second silicone layer is formed and laminated to the first silicone layer coupled with the metal layer. Holes are formed in the first or second silicone layer exposing the contact pads and electrode sites. Wires are welded to the exposed contact pads and a third layer of silicone is overmolded over the contact pads and wires.

Abstract: An implantable device has a hermetically sealed enclosure, an electronic device within the hermetically sealed enclosure, and a plurality of feedthrough conductors in mechanical contact with the hermetically sealed enclosure and exposed outside of the hermetically sealed enclosure. The implantable device also has a flexible substrate with a plurality of therapy contacts, and a plurality of continuously conductive elements extending along the flexible substrate from the array of therapy contacts and terminating at a plurality of connection pads. Each of the continuously conductive element is integral with at least one therapy contact and at least one connection pad to electrically communicate the noted therapy contact(s) and the noted connection pad(s). The thickness of each continuously conductive element may be between about 5 and 190 microns. The implantable device also has a plurality of mechanical welded couplings that each couple at least one of the connection pads.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an autonomous vehicle includes hardware systems which receive relatively low voltage from a low voltage power distribution unit (LVPDU). An LVPDU includes a power source such as a DC-DC converter and a plurality of backup batteries. The plurality of backup batteries is configured to provide backup power to subsets of components arranged to effectively all be powered by the power source onboard the LVPDU. The backup batteries may be tested, substantially while LVPDU is being used to provide power. The backup batteries may be charged substantially in parallel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring and managing swelling of rechargeable batteries in situ. Some implementations involve using capacity fade or state of health of rechargeable batteries to estimate swelling of the rechargeable batteries. Some implementations provide methods and systems for measuring battery swelling based on inductive or capacitive coupling between sensors and the battery. Some implementations provide means to manage or reduce swelling of rechargeable batteries by applying adaptive charging with consideration of battery swelling.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a method of manufacturing an implantable neural electrode. The method includes cutting a metal layer to form a plurality of electrode sites, contact pads and metal traces connecting the electrode sites to the contact pads. A first silicone layer including a mesh is formed and coupled to the metal layer. A second silicone layer is formed and laminated to the first silicone layer coupled with the metal layer. Holes are formed in the first or second silicone layer exposing the contact pads and electrode sites. Wires are welded to the exposed contact pads and a third layer of silicone is overmolded over the contact pads and wires.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring and managing swelling of rechargeable batteries in situ. Some implementations involve using capacity fade or state of health of rechargeable batteries to estimate swelling of the rechargeable batteries. Some implementations provide methods and systems for measuring battery swelling based on inductive or capacitive coupling between sensors and the battery. Some implementations provide means to manage or reduce swelling of rechargeable batteries by applying adaptive charging with consideration of battery swelling.

Abstract: An implantable device has a hermetically sealed enclosure, an electronic device within the hermetically sealed enclosure, and a plurality of feedthrough conductors in mechanical contact with the hermetically sealed enclosure and exposed outside of the hermetically sealed enclosure. The implantable device also has a flexible substrate with a plurality of therapy contacts, and a plurality of continuously conductive elements extending along the flexible substrate from the array of therapy contacts and terminating at a plurality of connection pads. Each of the continuously conductive element is integral with at least one therapy contact and at least one connection pad to electrically communicate the noted therapy contact(s) and the noted connection pad(s). The thickness of each continuously conductive element may be between about 5 and 190 microns. The implantable device also has a plurality of mechanical welded couplings that each couple at least one of the connection pads.

Abstract: A wireless charging system for charging a battery may include wireless charging circuitry based on inductive coupling, where the wireless charging circuitry includes: control circuitry for adaptively charging or charging a battery/cell; and an output of the charging circuitry configured to apply an adapted, unregulated current and/or voltage to the battery. In certain embodiments, the adaptation of the unregulated current and/or voltage is based on the charging and/or operating conditions of the battery.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring and managing swelling of rechargeable batteries in situ. Some implementations involve using capacity fade or state of health of rechargeable batteries to estimate swelling of the rechargeable batteries. Some implementations provide methods and systems for measuring battery swelling based on inductive or capacitive coupling between sensors and the battery. Some implementations provide means to manage or reduce swelling of rechargeable batteries by applying adaptive charging with consideration of battery swelling.

Abstract: A method for bonding a hermetic module to an electrode array including the steps of: providing the electrode array having a flexible substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface and including a plurality of pads in the top surface of the substrate; attaching the hermetic module to the bottom surface of the electrode array, the hermetic module having a plurality of bond-pads wherein each bond-pad is adjacent to the bottom surface of the electrode array and aligns with a respective pad; drill holes through each pad to the corresponding bond-pad; filling each hole with biocompatible conductive ink; forming a rivet on the biocompatible conductive ink over each pad; and overmolding the electrode array with a moisture barrier material.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a method of manufacturing an implantable neural electrode. The method includes cutting a metal layer to form a plurality of electrode sites, contact pads and metal traces connecting the electrode sites to the contact pads. A first silicone layer including a mesh is formed and coupled to the metal layer. A second silicone layer is formed and laminated to the first silicone layer coupled with the metal layer. Holes are formed in the first or second silicone layer exposing the contact pads and electrode sites. Wires are welded to the exposed contact pads and a third layer of silicone is overmolded over the contact pads and wires.

Abstract: A system for automatically performing a bail off of the locomotive brakes in response to certain train braking operations without the need for the train operator to manually bail off the locomotive brakes. The system includes a controller that is programmed to determine when an appropriate train braking operation has been requested and to issue commands to the locomotive braking system to cause the locomotive brake cylinder to be reduced to zero pressure or a predetermined minimum pressure. The controller is also programmed to determine when an automatic bail off should be inhibited and/or cancelled depending on ongoing train conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.

Abstract: A system for automatically performing a bail off of the locomotive brakes in response to certain train braking operations without the need for the train operator to manually bail off the locomotive brakes. The system includes a controller that is programmed to determine when an appropriate train braking operation has been requested and to issue commands to the locomotive braking system to cause the locomotive brake cylinder to be reduced to zero pressure or a predetermined minimum pressure. The controller is also programmed to determine when an automatic bail off should be inhibited and/or cancelled depending on ongoing train conditions.

Abstract: An electrical trainline junction box formed from a housing having first and second opposing sides, an identification module positioned in the housing, and first and second receptacles positioned in each of the first and second opposing sides. The first and second receptacles have a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in a predetermined geometry so that only one possible orientation and electrical connection to trainline flanges is possible. The flanges include contact pins in inserts coupled to the flanges by sleeves. The outer surface of the inserts and the inner surface of the sleeves are keyed to allow only a single orientation of the inserts relative to the sleeves. The outer surface of the sleeves is shaped to allow only a single orientation of the sleeves relative to the flanges, thus ensuring that the proper electrical connection is made when the junction box is installed.

Abstract: A method for bonding a hermetic module to an electrode array including the steps of: providing the electrode array having a flexible substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface and including a plurality of pads in the top surface of the substrate; attaching the hermetic module to the bottom surface of the electrode array, the hermetic module having a plurality of bond-pads wherein each bond-pad is adjacent to the bottom surface of the electrode array and aligns with a respective pad; drill holes through each pad to the corresponding bond-pad; filling each hole with biocompatible conductive ink; forming a rivet on the biocompatible conductive ink over each pad; and overmolding the electrode array with a moisture barrier material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing with nerve fibers, such as axons. Embodiments provide multiple micro-channels, into which individual fascicles of a nerve may be placed, one fascicle per micro-channel. Each micro-channel has an associated set of micro-wire electrodes that penetrate the fascicle in the micro-channel. The micro-wire electrodes are thinner than prior art photolithographed micro-electrode arrays. Consequently, more micro-wire electrodes may interface with a single fascicle, and each micro-wire electrode interfaces with fewer axons, than in the prior art. Multiple rows of micro-channels may be stacked to construct two-dimensional arrays of micro-channels. These embodiments thereby facilitate finer motor control in prosthetic devices, and more granular sensory feedback from prosthetic devices to central nervous systems, than is achievable in the prior art.