Abstract: A capacitor structure having a shallow drawn encasement includes first and second major sides and a peripheral wall coupled to first and second major sides. First and second anodes are positioned within the encasement proximate the interior surfaces of the first and second major sides respectively. A cathode is positioned within the encasement intermediate the first and second anodes.

Abstract: A method of reforming a wet-tantalum capacitor is disclosed. The method comprises charging the capacitor to a voltage that is substantially less than one of a maximum and rated voltage for the capacitor. The method also comprises providing an open circuit condition and allowing the capacitor to at least partially discharge through leakage current.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing and packaging process for optimizing the size of various implanted medical devices is disclosed. Specifically, complex shapes involving ceramic capacitors with various other shapes are manufactured to optimize fit and shapes within the device housing. The manufacturing process includes various techniques and electrode material selections, including manufacturing processes that enable high energy discharge capacitors to be made in compliant shapes to fit in small ICD footprints.

Abstract: A capacitor structure comprises a shallow drawn encasement having first and second major sides and a peripheral wall coupled to the first and second sides. A cathode is disposed within the encasement proximate the first and second major sides, the cathode having a cathode lead. A central anode a having an anode lead is disposed within the encasement, and a bipolar, insulative feedthrough extends through the encasement through which electrical coupling may be made to the anode lead and the cathode lead.

Abstract: A capacitor structure comprises a shallow drawn case having a first major side and a peripheral wall extending therefrom, the first major side having a first interior surface and the wall having a peripheral interior surface. A lid is sealingly coupled to the case along adjacent edges of the lid and the wall, the lid and said case forming an encasement of the capacitor structure, the lid comprising a second interior surface. A cathode material is disposed proximate the first and second interior surfaces, and an anode is positioned intermediate the cathode material and has a peripheral portion positioned proximate the adjacent edges. A protective layer on the peripheral portion protects the anode during the sealing process. A first insulative separator is positioned between the anode and the cathode material.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, particularly methods and apparatus for electrically isolating and supporting components of an IMD IPG, e.g., capacitors of a capacitor sub-assembly, thereof in volumetrically efficient ways. A capacitor sub-assembly comprising two or more capacitors stacked side-by-side such that the facing capacitor case major sides are separated by a reliable and simple to apply insulation layer of minimal thickness is disclosed for assembly with other components of an ICD IPG into an IPG housing. A shape conforming insulating spacer is formed of an insulating polymer to conform to the shape of a first capacitor case major side and the perimeter of that major side. The shape conforming insulating spacer is simply applied or adhered by adhesive layers, bands or patterns to one or both of the facing capacitor case major sides.

Abstract: A cardioverter/defibrillator of the type having at least one high voltage (HV) output capacitor having valve metal anode and cathode electrodes with an oxide formed over a majority of said anode and a wet electrolyte in fluid communication with the electrodes that is charged from a battery through a charging circuit including a HV step-up transformer and is adapted to be discharged through cardioversion/defibrillation (C/D) electrodes is disclosed. The HV output capacitor(s) periodically charge in a reform charge cycle to substantially a maximum or full charge at a reform charge rate slower than a C/D therapy charge rate, which also charges said HV output capacitor(s) to the maximum or full charge, to thereby reform deformed portions of the oxide.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve including an energy absorption system to reduce or eliminate the force with which the armature contacts an electromagnet pole face. The energy absorption system absorbs kinetic energy from the armature assembly prior to the armature plate contacting the electromagnetic pole face to reduce the velocity or impact force of the armature plate against the electromagnet, thereby reducing noise, vibration, and harshness concerns associated with many electromechanical valve actuators. The cooperative nature of the energy absorption system allows damping even during short cycle times by the armature assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved capacitors; in particular, the present invention provides advanced valve metal (AVM) anodes and methods for fabricating AVM anodes having complex surface and interior features for use in high energy density capacitors. Such anodes find use in high voltage capacitors incorporated into implantable medical devices (IMDs), among other uses. The AVM anodes may be pressed into virtually any arbitrary shape and may have a gradually changing (or substantially constant) density profile throughout the AVM anode. Such AVM anodes may also be perforated or shaped to receive one or more cathode members. The AVM anodes enhance packaging efficiency for compact high energy density capacitors.

Abstract: A variable lift electromechanical valve actuator for use with an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical valve includes a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and a hydraulic lifting mechanism. The upper electromagnet is fixedly mounted to a housing while the lower electromagnet slides in conjunction with the hydraulic lifting mechanism. Multiple valve lifts are provided for by the movement of the lower electromagnetic electromagnet. Variable valve lift allows for more efficient operation of the engine and reduced power consumption, noise, vibration, and wear concerns.

Abstract: A complex connector and component within an implantable medical device in which the complex connector is positioned within the spacing footprint of the component to optimize packaging within the device.

Abstract: A capacitor in an implantable medical device is provided. The capacitor comprises an anode, a cathode including a conductive coating, and an electrolyte disposed and in contact between the anode and the cathode. The conductive coating is composed of a chemisorbed conductive layer that is interposed between a metal substrate and a layer including a mix of activated carbon with a metal-oxide and electrolyte disposed and in contact between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing maintaining a charge in an electrical energy storing device, such as a capacitor. A set-point voltage for the electrical energy storage device is used during an initial device charging process to charge the storage device to the set-point voltage. A charge maintenance process is also performed that offsets charge loss due to leakage currents, polarization currents and the like. The charge maintenance process involves providing a charge maintenance current to the storage device until the storage device is therapeutically discharged (e.g., during cardiac defibrillation therapy delivery).

Abstract: A medical device for electrical termination of an arrhythmic condition of a patient's heart in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) at least one battery; (b) means for detection of an arrhythmic condition of a patient's heart; (c) at least one high voltage capacitor; (d) converter means for providing charging current from said battery to said capacitor; (e) means for maintenance of a charge on said capacitor between arrhythmia therapies; (f) controller means responsive to detection of an arrhythmic condition of said patient's heart and for providing a discharge control signal; and (g) discharge circuit means for delivering voltage stored on said capacitor to said patient's heart in response to said discharge control signal.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, particularly methods and apparatus for electrically isolating and supporting components of an IMD IPG, e.g., capacitors of a capacitor sub-assembly, thereof in volumetrically efficient ways. A capacitor sub-assembly comprising two or more capacitors stacked side-by-side such that the facing capacitor case major sides are separated by a reliable and simple to apply insulation layer of minimal thickness is disclosed for assembly with other components of an ICD IPG into an IPG housing. A shape conforming insulating spacer is formed of an insulating polymer to conform to the shape of a first capacitor case major side and the perimeter of that major side. The shape conforming insulating spacer is simply applied or adhered by adhesive layers, bands or patterns to one or both of the facing capacitor case major sides.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprising a housing, a capacitor, an electronics module and a substantially flat battery. The capacitor is disposed within the housing. The electronics module is electrically connected to the capacitor and similarly disposed within the housing. The electronics module generally defines opposing front and rear faces, and is positioned such that the rear face is adjacent a wall of the housing. Finally, the battery is electrically connected to the electronics module and is positioned over the electronics module such that the battery is adjacent the front face of the electronics module. With this configuration, an overall shape and size of the implantable medical device is optimized.