Abstract: Compact electronic modules, which may be used with implantable microstimulators and other medical and non-medical devices, and manufacture/assembly of such modules are described. Component and circuitry designs utilize unique redistribution techniques and attachment methods. A number of component designs and packaging configurations maximize the volume efficiency of electronic modules. Also included are improved processes and systems enabling the manufacture and assembly of such compact packages.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, e.g., neurological disorders, uses a self-contained power source such as a primary battery, a rechargeable battery, or other energy sources. For the rechargeable battery, and other energy sources that may require a periodic or occasional replenishment, such recharging or replenishment is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A suitable bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator system to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the system, including the charge level of the power source, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry within the microstimulator automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes a plastic housing having a first end; an electronic subassembly; and a conductive plastic electrode disposed at the first end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The microstimulator forms a hermetically sealed structure. Optionally, the microstimulator also includes a second electrode disposed at a second end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The second electrode may also be a conductive plastic electrode.

Abstract: An implantable system control unit (SCU) includes means for measuring tissue impedance or other condition to determine allograft health, in order to predict or detect allograft rejection. The SCU also includes at least two electrodes coupled to means for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient within whom the device is implanted, and may also include a reservoir for holding one or more drugs and a driver means for delivering the drug(s) to the patient. In certain embodiments, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters. Alternatively, this sensory “SCU” sounds an alarm, communicates an alarm to an external device, and/or is responsive to queries regarding sensed information, such as tissue impedance.

Abstract: An inhaler for administering medicament by inhalation, comprising: an inhalation channel (24); a rotatable dosing unit (16) which includes at least one dosing element (18) for providing a dose of medicament to the inhalation channel (24); and a dose counting unit (42) which comprises an electronic display (57), an electrical circuit for counting each dose of medicament provided to the inhalation channel (24) and driving the display (57) so as to provide an indication as to the usage of the inhaler, the electrical circuit including at least one switch which comprises a contact element which is one of opened or closed when a dose of medicament is provided to the inhalation channel (24), and a rotatable member (45) connected to the dosing unit (16) so as to be rotatable therewith, the rotatable member (45) including at least one cam surface (51, 52) which includes at least one cam (51a, 52a), each cam (51a, 52a) on each cam surface (51, 52) being configured, on rotation of the dosing unit (16) to provide a dose

Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.

Abstract: An exemplary system for providing power to a rechargeable battery in an implantable stimulator includes a first coil configured to emit a first magnetic field, a coil in the stimulator configured to receive the first magnetic field, and a zero volt recovery (ZVR) circuit in the stimulator configured to use the first magnetic field to cause the coil in the stimulator to be tuned to a frequency of a second magnetic field. The second magnetic field is used to provide the power to recharge the battery. An exemplary method of providing power to recharge a battery in an implantable stimulator includes transmitting a first magnetic field used to provide the power to recharge the battery, transmitting a second magnetic field; and using the second magnetic field to cause a coil in the stimulator to be tuned to a frequency of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with on-off keying (OOK) modulation to transmit control data. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the control data in accordance with the OOK modulation. An exemplary method of communicating with an implantable stimulator includes modulating a signal with control data using OOK modulation and transmitting the signal to the implantable stimulator.

Abstract: Compact electronic modules, which may be used with implantable microstimulators and other medical and non-medical devices, and manufacture/assembly of such modules are described. Component and circuitry designs utilize unique redistribution techniques and attachment methods. A number of component designs and packaging configurations maximize the volume efficiency of electronic modules. Also included are improved processes and systems enabling the manufacture and assembly of such compact packages.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bidirectional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.

Abstract: A clock signal generator in an integrated circuit semiconductor device and a method of generating a clock signal, the clock signal generator comprising: a semiconductor substrate (2); an oscillator unit (4) which comprises at least one support member (10, 12) which is fixed relative to the substrate (2), an oscillator arm (6) which is oscillatably disposed to the at least one support member (10, 12) with regard a reference position, which oscillator arm (6) includes first and second conductive sections (6a, 6b) at positions extended from the at least one support member (10, 12), and at least one biasing element (14, 16) for biasing the oscillator arm (6) towards the reference position; a driver (18) which is disposed at the substrate (2) in spaced relation adjacent one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6), which driver (18) is configured in use to drive the one of the conductive sections (6a) of the oscillator arm (6) towards or away therefrom when an electrical signal is applied thereto;

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia, comprising: a display 57 comprising a plurality of activatable elements, wherein each element has an activated state in which the element is visible and a deactivated state in which the element is not visible and one or more of the elements are activatable to display indicia; and control means 910 for controlling the display 57 which includes test means 960 which is configured to activate successively groups of elements according to a predetermined control sequence such that the activated and deactivated state of each of the elements is tested, wherein the control means 910 is configured to activate the elements in groups of one or two and the successive activation of elements comprises, for each group, the steps of activating all of the elements in the group, activating one element in the group, not activating one element in the group and not activating all of the elements in the group.

Abstract: A capacitor structure for an integrated circuit, the structure including a main capacitor and a parasitic capacitor, comprising: a substrate 2000 of a first conductivity type; a first dielectric layer 2040; a first conductive layer 2010 disposed over the first dielectric layer 2040, said first conductive layer 2010 forming a first plate of the main capacitor and a first plate of the parasitic capacitor; a second dielectric layer 2020 disposed over the first conductive layer 2010; and a second conductive layer 2030 disposed over the second dielectric layer 2020, the second conductive layer 2030 forming a second plate of the main capacitor; characterized in that the capacitor structure further comprises a well 2100 disposed within the substrate 2000 which is of a second conductivity type opposite to said first type, the first dielectric layer 2040 is disposed over the well 2100 and the well 2100 forms a second plate of the parasitic capacitor and a further, junction capacitor with the substrate 2000, the config

Abstract: A counting device, comprising: an input 105, 107 for receiving an input signal having at least three distinct input states; memory means 810 for storing a count; and means 620 responsive to a predetermined sequence of input states of said input signal to vary said count, wherein said predetermined sequence includes the at least three input states.

Abstract: An apparatus for training a person to use an inhaler comprises such an inhaler connected to a processing device. The inhaler comprises means for detecting when the inhaler is activated for making a dose of a drug available for inhalation and means for detecting the inhalation flow through the inhaler. The processing device comprises means for indicating to the patient how the inhaler is to be activated in order to make a dose available and means for urging the patient to perform such an activation. The latter means are activated when the apparatus is turned on and deactivated when a proper activation of the inhaler is detected. The processing device further comprises means for urging the patient to inhale through the inhaler. These means are activated when a proper activation of the inhaler is detected and deactivated when an inhalation flow is detected. The measured inhalation flow is indicated by indication means on the processing device.A method for training a person to use an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement system including a first unit that obtains a first measurement value associated with a first time indication and a second measurement value associated with a second time indication and a second unit that comprises a processor and receives values asynchronously from the first unit, wherein the processor synchronizes the first and second measurement values using the first and second time indications.