Abstract: A patient programmer for facilitating patient control over an implanted medical device, such as an implanted spinal cord stimulator or the like, is disclosed. A programmer in accordance with the present invention is a portable, light-weight, easy to use patient programmer. The programmer enables a patient to control the operation of his or her implanted device outside of a clinical setting. The programmer incorporates features which ensure that users of varying ages, education levels, dexterity levels, physical and mental health will be able to safely control the operation of their implanted devices, within predefined limits established by a physician or clinician. Circuitry is provided for avoiding battery depletion and/or undesired programmer/implanted device communication in the event that the programmer's key is accidentally depressed (for example, due to being jammed into a purse or pocket) or is depressed repeatedly or continuously over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A connector for establishing an external connection with multiple-conductor implantable leads. The connector body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a unique twist lock design. The cylindrical connector body has two sections which rotate axially with respect to one another, from an `open` position to a `closed` position. Each of the sections has a longitudinal slot therein extending along its surface parallel to the cylindrical axis of the connector. In the `open` position, the slots in the respective sections are in alignment, forming a single longitudinal opening. The opening is keyed to accept an elongated end piece from a lead stylet, the end piece being attached to the end of the implantable electrode. The end piece supports the end of the lead such that the multiple, spaced apart electrical contacts disposed on the lead are exposed on at least one side.

Abstract: A transcutaneous electrical tissue stimulator comprises an electrical tissue stimulation generator (10, 41) attachable to the human body and a remote controller (37, 40) therefor. Generator (10) includes a plurality of rigid printed circuit boards (73-75) having components (91, 92) mounted thereon, each circuit board (73-75) interconnected with flexible printed circuit board (76, 77) and terminal means (51-54) for delivery of electrical tissue stimulation to electrodes (12-15). Remote programmer (37, 40) comprises user controls (39) for control of generator (10, 41) stimulation mode or parameters via telemetric link (42d, 42a).

Abstract: A tissue stimulator of the type which provides short intervals of stimulation followed by longer intervals of rest is provided with a fail-safe system for turning off the stimulator if the stimulation interval exceeds a predetermined maximum interval. A timer times each "on" interval. If the "on" interval exceeds the predetermined maximum, the timer times out and shuts off stimulation.

Abstract: A dual channel neuromuscular stimulator. Pulses developed by a pulse generator are transmitted alternately on both channels to involuntarily contract muscles. The stimulator has variable on/off cycling capability to provide flexibility in meeting the stimulation needs of patients and has output current adjustments and other variable parameter settings to achieve optimum neuromuscular stimulation. To enhance patient comfort, the stimulation output of the stimulator can be slowly "ramped up" to its full stimulation power to allow the increase in stimulation to occur at various rates to accommodate the differing characteristics of different muscle groups. A jack is provided to permit the stimulation to be controlled by an external switch operated by a clinician to coordinate stimulation of various muscle groups with voluntary muscle contraction by the patient. The jack can also be connected to a heel operated switch to stimulate muscle groups to allow certain disabled persons to walk normally.

Abstract: An electrical body stimulator having particular utility for transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation. Circuitry is provided which delivers a driving pulse, the stimulator output circuitry being responsive to the driving pulse duration for establishing at least one stimulation signal parameter in accordance therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the driving pulse generator includes an energy storage device and an oscillating power supply connected to the storage device for alternately charging and discharging the storage device. A dual state device responds to the charge level of the energy storage device and changes state in response to predetermined changes in the energy storage device charge level. The charging rate is alterable to alter the duration of the driving pulse.

Abstract: A dual channel neuromuscular stimulator. Pulses developed by a pulse generator are transmitted alternately on both channels to involuntarily contract muscles. The stimulator has variable on/off cycling capability to provide flexibility in meeting the stimulation needs of patients and has output current adjustments and other variable parameter settings to achieve optimum neuromuscular stimulation. To enhance patient comfort, the stimulation output of the stimulator can be slowly "ramped up" to its full stimulation power to allow the increase in stimulation to occur at various rates to accommodate the differing characteristics of different muscle groups. A jack is provided to permit the stimulation to be controlled by an external switch operated by a clinician to coordinate stimulation of various muscle groups with voluntary muscle contraction by the patient. The jack can also be connected to a heel operated switch to stimulate muscle groups to allow certain disabled persons to walk normally.