Abstract: An implantable stimulator system includes a plastic housing, an electronic subassembly and at least one metal contact. The plastic housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior. The electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the plastic housing. The at least one metal contact is integrally formed with the plastic housing, coupled to the electronic subassembly, and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The plastic housing and the at least one metal contact form a sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator system includes a plastic housing, an electronic subassembly and at least one metal contact. The plastic housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior. The electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the plastic housing. The at least one metal contact is integrally formed with the plastic housing, coupled to the electronic subassembly, and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The plastic housing and the at least one metal contact form a sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: A micropump in which a fluid is pumped by the interaction of longitudinal acoustic waves and the fluid in the microchannel. The micropump having an acoustical transducer responsive to a high-frequency input and directing a longitudinal acoustic wave into the channel which induces a pressure gradient. The fluid in the channel flowing in the direction of travel of the acoustic wave in the channel.

Abstract: A method of fabrication wherein a nitride layer is spaced from a conductive substrate by an insulating layer and etching removes at least portions of an insulating layer to leave a nitride membrane spaced from the substrate. The surface of the conductive layer where the insulating layer is removed is chemically roughened and the etchant is removed by freeze-drying and sublimation to eliminate sticking of the nitride layer to the substrate surface during fabrication.