Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial connector with a female and a male connector part. The two connector parts each have an inner ventilation channel which extends in the longitudinal direction of the connector and which opens out into at least one outwardly extending, stepped (when viewed in the longitudinal section) ventilation channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial connector with a female and a male connector part. The two connector parts each have an inner ventilation channel which extends in the longitudinal direction of the connector and which opens out into at least one outwardly extending, stepped (when viewed in the longitudinal section) ventilation channel.

Abstract: Media-exposed interconnects for transducer modules are disclosed. The transducers may be sensing transducers, actuating transducers, IC-only transducers, or combinations thereof, or other suitable transducers. The transducers may be used in connection with implantable medical devices and may be exposed to various media, such as body fluids. The media-exposed interconnects for transducer modules may allow transducers to communicate electrically with other components, such as implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The disclosure provides monolithic electrodes including a substrate defining a walled cavity having a floor, an electrically conductive cathode layer overlaying the cavity floor, an electrically conductive contact pad overlaying the substrate, an electrically conductive via in electrical communication with the cathode layer and the contact pad, and a porous membrane layer overlaying the cavity and defining a chamber formed by the porous membrane layer, the walled cavity, and the cavity floor. The disclosure also provides pH transducers including monolithic indicator and reference electrodes, and methods of making and using monolithic pH electrodes and transducers.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a medical assembly having a medical device at least a portion of which is formed of inorganic material is provided. The medical assembly is suitable for substantially long-term implantation in a host animal. The process includes modifying a surface of the medical device to form a hydrophilic adhesion-promoting surface. The hydrophilic adhesion-promoting surface is coated with an alginate solution comprising alginate and the alginate is reacted with alkaline earth metal cations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an accelerometer. The apparatus includes first, second, and third substrates. The first substrate includes the first plate of a first capacitor. The second substrate includes a moveable mass that is coupled to the second substrate by at least one spring. The moveable mass is the second plate of the first capacitor and the first plate of a second capacitor. The third substrate includes the second plate of the second capacitor. The moveable mass is prevented from moving in any direction where the at least one spring is inelastically flexed. The first substrate couples to the second substrate. The third substrate couples to the second substrate. The method includes forming a moveable mass in a substrate. The moveable mass is formed having a plurality of springs coupling the moveable mass to the substrate. The moveable mass is released using a dry etch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a medical device. An implantable medical device includes a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer, and a power transistor. The epitaxial layer overlies the semiconductor substrate. The power transistor is formed in the epitaxial layer and includes a first electrode, a control electrode, and a second electrode. The power transistor has a voltage breakdown greater than 100 volts. The current flow of the power transistor is vertical through the epitaxial layer to the semiconductor substrate. A backside contact couples to the first electrode of the power transistor. A method of manufacturing a medical device includes a power transistor formed in an epitaxial layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. A deep trench is etched through the epitaxial layer exposing the semiconductor substrate. A first electrode contact region couples to an exposed area of the semiconductor substrate in the deep trench.