Abstract: Various embodiments of an implantable medical device and a system that includes such device are disclosed. The device includes a housing that includes a polymeric material, a sealed container disposed within the housing, and an electronic assembly disposed within the container. The device also includes a battery disposed within the container and electrically connected to the electronic assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to promoting flow of body fluids in and around and between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing spacing therebetween and/or one or more apertures, notches, slots and the like. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member includes apertures that cooperate to promote flow of body fluids therearound.

Abstract: Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to minimizing gaps between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing a so-called interference-fit. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member has slightly reduced dimensions relative to the electrode and requires compression forces during assembly (e.g., manually or in an automated process including a press, a tool or other means). The interference-fit promotes a very tight fit (or seal) between the metallic electrode and the resin-based shroud member and, importantly, minimizes gaps. Additionally, discrete interference structures promote fluid tight seals between the electrode and a recess or aperture adapted to receive the electrode.

Abstract: The main new features of the disclosure relate to the ability to add stiffness to a shield portion of an active implantable medical device (AIMD) without increasing the net displaced volume to the AIMD in application. A number of techniques for adding stiffness are disclosed, depicted and claimed herein; for example using a sheet or strip(s) of material. A sheet of material can be bonded to a portion of an AIMD housing where an internal component makes contact with and/or is otherwise supported by the housing. The sheet and/or rib can be adhered or welded, soldered, brazed, etc. The sheet or rib can couple to the interior and/or exterior of the housing. Also, preproduction preparation of bulk material used to fabricate the shields can include region(s) of increased cross section (thickness). Such bulk material can have regions of increased cross section (thickness) that correspond to production equipment for punching, shaping and/or trimming the bulk material into the desired AIMD housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to a mechanically and electrically coupling a plurality of electrodes to major opposing surface portions of an implantable medical device (IMD). The surface portions can comprise major opposing surfaces of a connector module of the IMD and/or substantially planar metallic surfaces of the IMD. The electrodes provide a subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing device via the plurality of electrodes which can be used in conjunction with one or more electrodes disposed in an insulative shroud coupled to the peripheral, minor surfaces of the IMD.

Abstract: Terminal blocks adapted for placement on a printed circuit board using SMT techniques are disclosed herein. A terminal block in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a main body, a terminal block header including a number of terminal inlet ports configured to receive wire or conduit, and one or more terminal leads adapted to make electrical contact with a number of attachment pads formed on the printed circuit board. An illustrative method of mounting the terminal block to a printed circuit board may include the steps inserting the upper portion of the main body through a terminal block opening, and then connecting the one or more terminal leads of the terminal block to attachment pads.

Abstract: Backlighting devices and methods for supporting and illuminating a display panel are disclosed. A display retainer and backlight device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may comprise one or more light pipes operatively coupled to a retainer housing that supports and illuminates an attached display panel. The retainer housing includes an optical waveguide that receives light collected by the one or more light pipes. A light scattering element and reflector may be employed to disperse and reflect the light rays to illuminate the backside of the display panel. A slot extending through a portion of the retainer housing may be configured to tightly receive an elastomeric zebra-strip, which electrically connects the circuit board to the display panel. A clip, tab or other fastening mechanism may be used to secure the retainer housing and display panel to the circuit board.

Abstract: Backlighting devices and methods for supporting and illuminating a display panel are disclosed. A display retainer and backlight device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may comprise one or more light pipes operatively coupled to a retainer housing that supports and illuminates an attached display panel. The retainer housing includes an optical waveguide that receives light collected by the one or more light pipes. A light scattering element and reflector may be employed to disperse and reflect the light rays to illuminate the backside of the display panel. A slot extending through a portion of the retainer housing may be configured to tightly receive an elastomeric zebra-strip, which electrically connects the circuit board to the display panel. A clip, tab or other fastening mechanism may be used to secure the retainer housing and display panel to the circuit board.

Abstract: A portable hinged cutting board with drawer for recreational use, such as the popular picnic, is presented having a housing 10 with a folding extension 11 attached by a hinge means 12 to the top edge along the length of the housing 10. The folding extension 11 corresponds in length and width with top of the housing thereby when folded in a closed position it is adjacent to the upper surface of the housing top 10a. The housing 10 can generally be described as having a rectangular top 10a two short sides 10b one long side 10c thereby forming a compartment 10e. A drawer 13 fits snugly into the compartment 10e and is of such a width that when positioned inside as in the closed position the outer wall 13a of the drawer 13 is flush with the edges of the housing 10. The drawer is held in the closed position inside the housing by a fastening means 18 thereby preventing the drawer from opening during transport.

Abstract: This invention in its most basic form is a reservoir container that is adapted to hold the rinse water from the final rinse cycle of a washing machine and a means for conveying the rinse water after being used in the final rinse cycle of the washing machine into the reservoir and the means for returning that water to the wash machine for the beginning of the wash cycle of the next load. The reservoir in the preferred embodiment for a household wash machine holds approximately twenty-five gallons. It is hooked to the washer drain through a two way valve. During the wash cycle this two way valve allows the water to flow out of the washer and into the drain. But for the final rinse cycle the valve directs the water from the washer into the reservoir. The reservoir is also hooked to the incoming water source of the washer by a two way valve.