Abstract: A system and method of controlling the charging of the battery of a medical device using a remote inductive charger, with the method utilizing both a relatively fast closed-loop charging control based on a proxy for a target power transmission value in conjunction, and a slower closed-loop control based on an actual measured transmission value to control a charging power level for charging the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the charging of the battery of a medical device using a remote inductive charger, with the method utilizing both a relatively fast closed-loop charging control based on a proxy for a target power transmission value in conjunction, and a slower closed-loop control based on an actual measured transmission value to control a charging power level for charging the medical device.

Abstract: An implantable programmable stimulator system includes memory that stores at least one waveform. A playback system provides an output waveform based on retrieving the at least one waveform from the memory. An output system is configured to drive at least one output channel based on the output waveform, the output system selecting the at least one output channel from a plurality of output channels in response to a selection signal.

Abstract: Driver circuits for a fluid dispenser operable to dispense a fluid onto a substrate. One driver circuit uses high and low voltage busses to provide a quick pull-in current. Flyback current during a transition to a hold current is clamped to the high voltage bus to return energy to the high voltage bus, which is a capacitor. Another driver circuit uses transitional current references to control coil current at the initial pull-in transition and at the transition from pull-in to hold. In the transition from pull-in to hold, the flyback coil current is modulated between a flyback mode and a freewheel mode.

Abstract: Minimally invasive introducers and methods that can be used for rotationally securing devices within the human body. Introducers can include a distal element for releasably engaging a lead head controllable from a proximal control located outside of the body. An inner stem can extend between a proximal portion and a distal portion, and be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the distal lead engagement mechanism. An outer tube can be rotatably disposed over the inner stem and be flexibly coupled over the pivot to rotationally drive the distal element. A helical epicardial-myocardial lead electrode can be secured and oriented straight ahead and introduced through a port or small incision with the introducer in a straight configuration. The introducer can then be bent and rotated to screw the helical electrode into the heart.

Abstract: The invention concerns pulse echo distance measurement and in particular a method and apparatus for calculating such a distance by sensing multiple reflections of a given pulse signal. By sensing multiple reflections, and not just the primary echo, internal time delays which would otherwise cause systematic errors may be simply eliminated and the multiple readings obtained may be utilized to provide system self-diagnostic checks, eliminate spurious information and provide an accurate measure of distance. A particular advantage of the method is that very small distances between sensor and target may be measured.

Abstract: Ultrasonic depth measuring equipment comprising a sensor for emitting ultrasonic pulses in a divergent beam and for receiving the echoes of such ultrasonic pulses wherein the sensor is used in a mode such that the ultrasonic pulses are emitted upwardly through a liquid so as to be reflected from a reflecting surface, the echo being received by the sensor, the sensor being coupled to a microprocessor which is adapted to average the time taken between emissions of the pulses and the echo of the pulses being received by the sensor, and from these readings, an accurate measure of the distance between the sensor and the reflecting surface can be made.

Abstract: A heat meter for measuring the rate of flow or quantity of flow of heat gained or lost by a flowing and confined heat transporting medium between two monitoring points comprises inlet and outlet conduits for the passage of heat transporting medium, one conduit having mounted therein a temperature sensitive unit for monitoring the temperature of the flowing medium and therebeing associated with an insulated section of the other conduit a heat transfer unit to heat the medium passing therethrough and a temperature sensitive device for monitoring the temperature of a region of the heat transfer unit which, in use, is in thermal contact with the heat transporting medium, and a controller arranged so that the difference between the two monitored temperatures is minimized.