Abstract: A cochlea stimulation system includes a patient wearable system comprising an externally wearable signal processor (WP) and a headpiece in electronic communication with an implanted cochlear stimulator (ICS). The ICS comprises eight output stages each having two electrically isolated capacitor-coupled electrodes, designated "A" and "B", circuits for monitoring the voltages on these electrodes, and circuits for both transmitting status information to and receiving control information from the WP. Based upon information received from the WP, a processor within the ICS can control both the frequency and the widths of the output stimulation pulses applied to the electrodes and may select which electrodes to monitor. The ICS receives power and data signals telemetrically through the skin from the WP. To save power, the ICS may be "powered down" by the WP based upon the absence of audio information or "powered up" if audio is present.

Abstract: An apparatus for hermetically sealing implantable devices, such as a microstimulator, moicrotransducer, microtelemeter, or the like, prevents entrapment of water vapors and other volatile gases, and allows hermeticity testing at all manufacturing levels. The venting of water vapors and other volatile gases is accomplished with a tubular feedthrough that allows such gases trapped within the sealed device to vent during the manufacturing process. The tubular feedthrough also establishes a conduit through which leakage tests or other hermeticity tests can be conducted prior to and after sealing the feedthrough. The tubular feedthrough, when made from conductive materials, also provides for electrical connections between electronic circuits sealed within the device and electrodes and other electrical terminals on the outside of the capsule.

Abstract: An implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) has eight output stages (212), each having a current source (212B) connected to a pair of electrodes, designated "A" and "B", through respective output coupling capacitors and an electrode switching matrix (212C). An indifferent electrode is connected to each output stage by way of an indifferent electrode switch (212D). The current source generates a precise stimulation current as a function of an analog control voltage. The analog control voltage, in turn, is generated by a logarithmic D/A converter. The D/A converter serially converts data words, received in a data frame from an external source, to respective analog control voltages that are applied sequentially to the current sources of each output stage. An output mode register (208) controls the switching matrix of each stage, as well as the indifferent electrode switch, to configure the electrodes for a desired stimulation configuration, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hermetically sealing implantable devices, such as a microstimulator, moicrotransducer, microtelemeter, or the like, prevents entrapment of water vapors and other volatile gases, and allows hermeticity testing at all manufacturing levels. The venting of water vapors and other volatile gases is accomplished with a tubular feedthrough that allows such gases trapped within the sealed device to vent during the manufacturing process. The tubular feedthrough also establishes a conduit through which leakage tests or other hermeticity tests can be conducted prior to and after sealing the feedthrough. The tubular feedthrough, when made from conductive materials, also provides for electrical connections between electronic circuits sealed within the device and electrodes and other electrical terminals on the outside of the capsule.

Abstract: A physician's tester provides for physician monitoring and control of an implantable human tissue stimulator system, such as an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) system. During normal operation, the tissue stimulator system includes an implantable stimulator and a wearable processor (WP). The physician's tester is designed around a microprocessor, and is basically a modification of the WP. The tester provides control over the selection of voltages and currents to be measured and the presetting of parameters in the implantable stimulator during testing of the implanted stimulator and/or a patient's response to data transmitted by the WP/tester to the implanted stimulator. The physician's testor is portable and utilizes telemetry coupling with the implanted stimulator to provide communication between the tester and stimulator for the monitoring, control and measurement of the stimulator parameters. The tester resides in a portable housing having a control panel and a visual display.

Abstract: A tissue stimulating system including an external transmitter for transmitting data to an implanted stimulator including a processor for generating stimulation signals for application to a plurality of tissue stimulating electrodes. The processor selectively monitors the electrodes and/or voltages generated in the stimulator and generates stimulator status indicating signals for transmission to the external transmitter. The external processor receives and processes such status indicating signals.

Abstract: An external wearable processor (WP) of a cochlear stimulating system transmits a data signal to an implanted cochlear stimulator (ICS). The ICS is controlled through the data signal so that cochlear stimulation is provided by the ICS only after a determination is made that the WP is in proper signal contact therewith, and that the ICS is functioning properly. The ICS extracts a raw power signal from the data signal and generates different operating voltages from the extracted raw power signal. A detector generates a power bad signal whenever one of the operating voltages is less than a reference voltage. The ICS also detects and generates a carrier detect signal when the data signal is being received. Clock signals are generated within the ICS, and a phase locked loop (PLL) lock signal is generated when the clock signals are phase locked to the data signal. ICS circuitry further checks the parity of the incoming data signal and generates a parity alarm signal whenever a parity error is detected.

Abstract: An implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) has eight output stages (212), each having a programmable current source (212B) connected to a pair of electrodes, designated "A" and "B", through respective output coupling capacitors and an electrode switching matrix (212C). An indifferent electrode is connected to each output stage by way of an indifferent electrode switch (212D). An output mode register (208) controls the switching matrix of each stage, as well as the indifferent electrode switch, to configure the electrodes for: (1) bipolar stimulation (current flow between the pair of electrodes of the output stage), (2) monopolar A stimulation (current flow between the "A" electrode of the output stage and the indifferent electrode), (3) monopolar B stimulation (current flow between the "B" electrode of the output stage and the indifferent electrode), or (4) multipolar stimulation (current flow between the "A" or "B" electrode of one output stage and the "A" or "B" electrode of another output stage).

Abstract: A tissue stimulating system includes an external transmitter for transmitting a data signal to an implanted stimulator. The implanted stimulator includes a processor for generating stimulation signals for application to a plurality of tissue stimulating electrodes through respective isolated output channels. The implanted stimulator also includes a power supply that extracts a raw power signal from the data signal. A voltage downconverter generates at least four separate voltages from the extracted raw power signal by alternately connecting at least four capacitors in series across the raw power signal, thereby providing at least four output voltages, and then connecting the capacitors in parallel to transfer the charge stored thereon to a storage capacitor, which serves as the power source for portions of the stimulator.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.

Abstract: An implantable microminiature stimulator and/or sensor (microdevice) is housed within a sealed housing that includes all the requisite electronic circuitry for inductively receiving power and control signals to sense of biopotential or other biomedical signals and/or to generate electrical stimulation pulse(s) between opposing electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the microdevice is tubular, with opposing electrodes extending from each end. The electrodes are self-attaching electrodes that attach to a nerve or muscle without suturing. The electrodes are configured to helically curl around the desired nerve, thereby permitting the microdevice to stimulate the nerve or muscle, or sense signals associated with the nerve or muscle, using a minimal amount of energy.

Abstract: An addressable, implantable microstimulator is substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. Power and information for operating the microstimulator is received through a modulated, alternating magnetic field in which a coil is adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer. Electrical energy is stored in capacitor means and is released into the living body by controlled, stimulating pulses which pass through body fluids and tissue between the exposed electrodes of the microstimulator. Detection and decoding means within the microstimulator are provided for controlling the stimulating pulses in accordance with the modulation of the received, alternating magnetic field. Means for controllably recharging the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.

Abstract: An addressable, implantable microstimulator is substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. Power and information for operating the microstimulator is received through a modulated, alternating magnetic field in which a coil is adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer. Electrical energy is stored in capacitor means and is released into the living body by controlled, stimulating pulses which pass through body fluids and tissue between the exposed electrodes of the microstimulator. Detection and decoding means within the microstimulator are provided for controlling the stimulating pulses in accordance with the modulation of the received, alternating magnetic field. Means for controllably recharging the capacitor is provided.