Abstract: A neural stimulation system delivers neural stimulation to a target nerve with control of direction of propagation of evoked neural signals in one or more fiber types of the target nerve using electrode configuration, thereby providing effective therapy while minimizing unintended effects. In various embodiments, mechanical parameters of a multi-polar electrode are determined to provide directed propagation of the neural stimulation by effecting neural conduction block in or near the stimulation site. In various embodiments, the electrode includes a cathode for evoking action potentials and a plurality of anodes for blocking the propagation of the evoked action potentials in specified direction(s) and fiber type(s) while minimizing the formation of virtual cathodes.

Abstract: An example of a system may include a depletion block neural stimulator and a depletion block controller. The depletion block neural stimulator may be configured to deliver a depletion block stimulation to a nerve. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a pulse frequency within a range between about 100 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The depletion block controller may be configured to communicate with the depletion block neural stimulator and control the depletion block stimulation. The depletion block controller may be configured to receive a start depletion block signal and respond to the received start depletion block signal by initiating the delivery of the depletion block stimulation to the nerve, and the depletion block controller may be configured to receive a stop depletion block signal and respond to the received stop depletion block signal by terminating the delivery of the depletion block stimulation to the nerve.

Abstract: An example of a system may include an electrode and a pulse generation system. The electrode may be configured to be implanted near a neural target that innervates airways. The pulse generation system may be configured to be operably connected to the electrode to deliver depletion block stimulation through the electrode to alleviate symptoms of pulmonary disease. The pulse generation system and the electrode may be configured to cooperate to capture axons in the neural target. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a depletion pulse frequency.

Abstract: An example of a system may include a stimulator and at least one controller. The stimulator may be configured to deliver nerve stimulation to capture a first set of axons in a nerve and to deliver depletion block stimulation to capture a second set of axons in the nerve, where the second set is a subset of the first. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a depletion pulse frequency within a range between about 100 Hz to about 1 kHz, and the nerve stimulation may include a series of pulses at a stimulation pulse frequency within a range of about 0.25 Hz to about 50 Hz. At least a portion of the nerve stimulation and at least a portion of the depletion block stimulation may be delivered to be effective in providing a nerve block while delivering nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long tem block without inducing an onset response.

Abstract: An example of a method embodiment may deliver intermittent neural stimulation (INS) therapy to an autonomic neural target of a patient. The INS therapy includes neural stimulation (NS) ON times alternating with NS OFF times, and includes at least one NS burst of NS pulses during each of the NS ON times. For a given NS OFF time and subsequent NS ON time, delivering INS therapy may include monitoring a plurality of cardiac cycles during the NS OFF time, using the monitored plurality of cardiac cycles to predict cardiac event timing during the subsequent NS ON time, and controlling delivery of the INS therapy using the predicted cardiac event timing to time NS burst delivery of at least one NS burst for the subsequent NS ON time based on the predicted cardiac event timing.

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece may include: providing a workpiece including a first region and a second region; forming a porous metal layer over the first region and the second region; wherein the first region and the second region are configured such that an adhesive force between the second region and the porous metal layer is lower than an adhesive force between the first region and the porous metal layer.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an electric waveform for neural stimulation or nerve block. The system can include a first circuit component configured to provide a self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. In some instances, the first circuit component can provide a “pause” waveform (e.g., with a period (T) that includes a swing time (ts) in which the waveform varies in a biphasic manner and a pause time (tp) in which the waveform has a constant amplitude). The system can also include a second circuit component configured to ensure that the oscillating signal is charge-balanced across at least one period of the self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can remove contaminating noise (e.g., direct current (DC) contamination or high frequency contamination) from an electric waveform. The system can include a passive filter that includes at least a secondary-side-open-transformer-inductor (SOTI). The SOTI can include a first coil inductively coupled to a second coil. The first coil of the SOTI can receive the electric waveform contaminated with the noise and output the electric waveform. The second coil of the SOTI can provide an impedance that facilitates removal of the noise from the electric waveform.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an incomplete nerve block to a patient. In some instances, the incomplete nerve block can be bi-directional. In other instances, the incomplete nerve block can be adjustable. The system can include a waveform generator that can provide temporary electrical nerve conduction block to a nerve using an electrode. The electrode can include at least one contact. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block can block conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within the nerve located in close proximity to or being surrounded by the electrode. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block does not cause intentional damage to neural tissue as mode of action to achieve the incomplete nerve block. A complete recovery of nerve conduction can be expected post application of the incomplete nerve block.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and devices relate to porous metal layers on a substrate which are three-dimensionally coated. In one embodiment, a porous metal layer is deposited over a substrate. The porous metal layer can be three-dimensionally coated with a coating material.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method for processing a semiconductor wafer or die is provided including supplying particles to a plasma such that the particles are activated by the plasma and spraying the activated particles on the semiconductor wafer or die to generate a particle layer on the semiconductor wafer or die.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor device having a sidewall insulation includes providing a semiconductor body having a first side and a second side lying opposite the first side. At least one first trench is at least partly filled with insulation material proceeding from the first side in the direction toward the second side into the semiconductor body. The at least one first trench is produced between a first semiconductor body region for a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor body region for a second semiconductor device. An isolating trench extends from the first side of the semiconductor body in the direction toward the second side of the semiconductor body between the first and second semiconductor body regions in such a way that at least part of the insulation material of the first trench adjoins at least a sidewall of the isolating trench. The second side of the semiconductor body is partly removed as far as the isolating trench.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method for processing a semiconductor wafer or die is provided including supplying particles to a plasma such that the particles are activated by the plasma and spraying the activated particles on the semiconductor wafer or die to generate a particle layer on the semiconductor wafer or die.

Abstract: One or more embodiments may relate to a method for making a semiconductor structure, the method including: forming an opening at least partially through a workpiece; and forming an enclosed cavity within the opening, the forming the cavity comprising forming a paste within the opening.

Abstract: One or more embodiments may relate to a method for making a semiconductor structure, the method including: forming an opening at least partially through a workpiece; and forming an enclosed cavity within the opening, the forming the cavity comprising forming a paste within the opening.

Abstract: To increase the scratch resistance of a surface passivation, in particular, for fingerprint sensors, a antifrictional layer is applied to reduce the shearing forces. The antifrictional layer includes fat, oil, surfactants and/or wax. The antifrictional layer is preferably an emulsion including water, paraffin oil, propylene glycol, stearic acid, palmitic acid, TEA, beeswax, carbormer 954, methylparaben, propylparaben and possibly perfume.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive connection by laser radiation includes providing a connecting wire of a material with a higher melting temperature providing a connecting carrier of a material with a lower melting temperature, joining the connecting wire with the connecting carrier without an additional material, melting the connecting carrier with a lower melting temperature, and melting the connecting wire with a higher melting temperature on an outer surface.

Abstract: To increase the scratch resistance of a surface passivation, in particular, for fingerprint sensors, a antifrictional layer is applied to reduce the shearing forces. The antifrictional layer includes fat, oil, surfactants and/or wax. The antifrictional layer is preferably an emulsion including water, paraffin oil, propylene glycol, stearic acid, palmitic acid, TEA, beeswax, carbormer 954, methylparaben, propylparaben and possibly perfume.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive connection by laser radiation includes providing a connecting wire of a material with a higher melting temperature providing a connecting carrier of a material with a lower melting temperature, joining the connecting wire with the connecting carrier without an additional material, melting the connecting carrier with a lower melting temperature, and melting the connecting wire with a higher melting temperature on an outer surface.