Abstract: A method includes providing microvalve device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. With the inner catheter longitudinally advanced a first amount relative to the outer catheter, the filter valve is in a reduced first diameter for advancement of a guidewire to a target location. Once the filter valve reaches the target location, the inner catheter is moved relative to the outer catheter such that the filter valve assumes a larger second diameter. A therapeutic agent is infused through the inner catheter and beyond the filter valve.

Abstract: A automatic injection device including a housing, a firing mechanism, a near-field communication (NFC) assembly, a syringe, and a plunger. The firing mechanism is disposed within the second end of the housing and includes an activation button moveable relative to the firing body between an initial position and an actuated position. The activation button is configured to deploy the plunger when actuated. The firing mechanism includes a piercing element extending from at least the firing body or the activation button. The NFC assembly includes a film disposed proximate the piercing element and configured to be pierced by the piercing element upon actuation of the activation button. The NFC circuit is configured to indicate a film status including at least an unpierced film status before the film is pierced and a pierced film status after the film is pierced. A method of using the automatic injection device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a medicament from a container (10) having an outlet (16) at a distal end of the container (10) and a stopper (22) for containing the medicament in the container (10) is disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient's body at fast, controlled rates, for example, in a single fast bolus. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates.

Abstract: A sensing system for determining a zero position of a medication delivery device. The sensing system includes at least one actuator member, a biasing member, a stop surface and a sensor. The stop surface is structured and arranged within the device housing for abutment by a push surface of the at least one actuator member as a screw element of the device screws to a zero position from a dosing position. The abutment forces the at least one actuator member to move relative to the screw element from a first position to a second position against a resistance provided by the biasing member. A sensor within an electronics module is adapted to recognize the at least one actuator member at the second position.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe for sterile medication fluid injection includes a syringe barrel with rotationally symmetric cylindrical bore, having a distal end and a proximal end; a syringe piston with rotationally symmetric external shape; a backstop mounted at the proximal end of the syringe barrel with an opening that is rotationally asymmetric about the axis through the syringe barrel; a push rod to move the syringe piston inside the syringe barrel, wherein at least one portion of the push rod is rotationally asymmetric about the axis through the syringe barrel, and upon rotation, the rotationally asymmetric portion of the push rod is aligned with the rotationally asymmetric opening of the backstop; and a seal component to cover the distal end of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a piston rod configured to engage a housing of a drug delivery device, wherein the piston rod comprises an outer thread that corresponds with an inner thread of the housing, characterized by a support element (that is configured as a supplement thread section of the outer thread, wherein the support element comprises a lead-in for assembly of the drug delivery device and wherein the lead-in is distally spaced from another lead-in arranged on the distal outer thread end. The disclosure further provides a drug delivery device comprising such a piston rod and a method for assembling such a drug delivery device.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for driving a plunger in a drug reservoir. In some embodiments, a variable friction element interconnects between a pushing shaft and a wall of the reservoir. For example, rotation of a driving element in a first direction relative to the pushing shaft may advance the pushing shaft in the reservoir. The friction element may have increased friction resistance to rotation of the pushing shaft in the first direction in comparison to frictional resistance to advancing the pushing shaft. For example, the increased friction may result from wedging a radial element between the pushing shaft and the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A needle for intraligamentary anaesthesia is provided, wherein the needle has a tubular body with a proximal and a distal end, the body comprises a proximal opening in the proximal end, a distal opening in the distal end and a passage, extending through the body, which connects the two openings, wherein the body is formed in one piece and the outer diameter of the tubular body is at no point greater than 0.30 mm and wherein the distal end narrows in the longitudinal direction from the proximal to the distal end, and is rounded and/or is free from cut edges.

Abstract: A warming device, for warming infusion or transfusion fluids by an exothermic reaction of a reactive liquid. The device comprises a reaction chamber and a secondary chamber. The reaction chamber and the secondary chamber are aligned end on and are abutting. The reaction chamber contains a trigger and the secondary chamber contains the reactive liquid.

Abstract: Dry powder inhaler dose counters capable of making a display move swiftly between digits, in contrast to the progressive movement that occurs in simple gearing mechanisms.

Abstract: An over-pressure control device prevents over-pressure conditions during the delivery of pressure treatment therapy to a patient with a respiratory treatment apparatus. The device may prevent delivered pressure from exceeding a first maximum pressure threshold. The device may also prevent the delivered pressure from exceeding a second maximum pressure threshold when the delivered pressure exceeds another pressure threshold for a period of time. In some embodiments, the second maximum pressure threshold may be lower than the first maximum pressure threshold. In an example embodiment, a set of comparators are configured to compare pressure with a maximum pressure threshold and to control a reduction in the pressure if the pressure exceeds the maximum pressure threshold. The set may also be configured to compare the pressure with a pressure threshold and to control reduction in the maximum pressure threshold if the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold for a period of time.

Abstract: An oxygen therapy monitoring device includes an oscillation chamber with in a gas flow path adapted to pass a gas flow from a source to a breathing interface for a person. The oscillation chamber induces an oscillation in the gas flow that varies as a function of a flow rate of the gas flow. A measurement arrangement measures the oscillation induced in the gas flow and determines the flow rate on the basis of the oscillation that is measured.

Abstract: A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: A manually articulated stylet assembly for placing an endotracheal tube. The stylet assembly has a steering shaft that carries a flexible distal tip at one end and is attached to a handle at the other end. The distal tip is manipulated via sheathed cables controlled by a remote actuator in the handle. A biasing member inside the remote actuator maintains continuous tension on the cables to improve control. A video camera is carried in a recessed lens pocket in the steering shaft but spaced from the distal tip. The camera FOV captures movement of the distal tip with foreshortened perspective. A collar seat in the handle receives the collar connector of a standard endotracheal tube, providing quick disconnect when removing the stylet assembly upon placement.

Abstract: A breathing mask (200, 200?. 200?). The breathing mask (200, 200?. 200?) comprises: a frame (210, 210?); a forehead support frame (230) which is connected to the frame (210, 210?) pivotally to allow the forehead support frame (230) to shift toward the forehead (100) of a patient or shift away from the forehead (100) of the patient; and an adjusting member (220, 220?, 220?) which is connected to the frame (210, 210?) rotatably and has an adjusting slope. The forehead support frame (230) has a joining part (235, 235?) in contact with the adjusting slope so that the forehead support frame (230) is driven to rotate pivotally through the rotation of the adjusting member (220, 220?, 220?). Through the matching between the adjusting slope and the joining part (235, 235?), the breathing mask (200, 200?.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a frame assembly (16100) including connectors operatively attachable to headgear, a cushion assembly (16175) including a shell (161800) and a seal-forming structure (16200) structured to form a seal with the patient's nose and/or mouth, and an air delivery connector (16600). The cushion assembly and air delivery connector are structured to releasably connect to the frame assembly independently of each other. A static face seal and separate static diametric seal between the shell (161800) and frame (16100). A dynamic face seal and separate dynamic diametric seal between the air delivery connector (16600) and frame (16100). Separate claims (FIG. 6) to a frame assembly (16100) with upper headgear connector arms (16134) including at least one slot (6146) (claim 17) or flexible portions (claim 22) to form hinges structured and arranged to conform to varying facial profiles.

Abstract: A CPAP mask connector and pillow system includes a pillow positionable at the rear of a user's head, a pair of upper and lower wings extending from the pillow, a fastening system incorporated into the wings and configured to attach to and secure a CPAP mask to a user. The fastening system further includes integrated elastic segments that provide additional flexibility in the fastening system.

Abstract: Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including an electrolytic device, a gas pathway, and a three-way valve module. The electrolytic device is configured for electrolyzing electrolyzed water to generate gas with hydrogen. The gas generated from the electrolytic device is transferred by the gas pathway for inhaling. The three-way valve module is configured on the electrolytic device for balancing a pressure in the electrolytic device by importing an ambient gas. The present invention uses the three-way valve module to balance the pressure in the electrolytic device for maintaining the water level of the electrolyzed water, thereby avoiding the electrolyzed water splashing or corroding the other elements.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system for providing humidification to gases that pass through a gas passage way before being provided to an airway of a patient is disclosed. The respiratory humidification system may include a liquid flow controller providing a controlled flow of liquid, a heating system including a heating surface configured to be located in a gases passage way and provide humidification to gases passing through the passage way, wherein the heating system receives the controlled flow of liquid, and one or more hardware processors providing deterministic control of a humidity level of gases passing through the gas passage way by instructing the liquid flow controller to adjust the controlled flow of liquid received at the heating system.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to contain a supply of water and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit provided upon a surface. The first polymer film is electrically insulating and the tub is formed of molded resin and the heater is molded at least partially within the resin. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes the humidifier. A method of humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes passing the flow of pressurized breathable gas over a supply of water contained in a tub. The tub is formed of molded resin and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit on a first surface is molded at least partially within the resin.

Abstract: A light emission control device includes a light emission controller which controls a light emitter and performs normal control and wake-up control, the normal control being control for causing the light emitter to emit light having a color temperature and luminance according to an instruction of a user, the wake-up control being control for causing the light emitter to emit light at increasing luminance over time to wake up the user who is sleeping. The maximum luminance of light emitted by the light emitter in the wake-up control is greater than the maximum luminance of light emitted by the light emitter in the normal control.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes: an illuminator including a light source which emits illumination light; a lighting controller which controls the illuminator; and a receiver which receives, from a control apparatus, a control command signal generated based on at least one of user information and environmental information in order to control the illumination light of the illuminator, wherein the control command signal received by the receiver includes one or more parameters including, as an element, at least one of a brightness of the illumination light of the illuminator, a color temperature of the illumination light of the illuminator, and control time for controlling the illumination light of the illuminator.

Abstract: Visual and auditory stimuli are provided to a patient to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and/or to provide improved mental or physical performance. The visual and auditory stimuli are provided by a wearable headset or sleep mask that may be comfortably worn by a user, such as in bed to induce sleep. The wearable headset or sleep mask includes, or works in cooperation with, sensors that determine the state of the user and modify the operation of the headset for treating various disorders or contentions.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device package may include a tray and a lip. The tray defines a recess configured to receive an elongated medical device in a coiled state. The lip is configured to cover at least a portion of the recess. The lip and tray define a mouth to the recess. The tray and lip define an opening configured to expose the elongated medical device when the elongated medical device is received in the recess. The mouth is configured to facilitate removal of the elongated medical device from the recess through the opening while the elongated medical device is in the coiled state.

Abstract: A multiple catheter system including an imaging scope having an elongated body having a first length and a first outer diameter. The elongated body including a first passage extending along the first length. A flexible distal tip portion is coupled to the elongated body. The flexible distal tip portion includes an imaging sensor and a light source. A proximal connector is coupled to the elongated body opposite the flexible distal tip portion. The proximal connector has a second outer diameter not greater than the first outer diameter. A first catheter includes a flexible distal tip portion and a first lateral extension disposed at the flexible distal tip portion. The first lateral extension includes a second passage having an inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter, wherein the imaging scope is movably positionable within the second passage.

Abstract: A method for visualization and/or administration of medication of and into the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a sphenocath and inserting a guidewire into the nostril of a patient to a target area proximate the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of the patient. The sphenocath is advanced over the guidewire and a catheter hub of the sphenocath is rotated relative to a sheath hub to conform to an anatomy of the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess, such that the distal end of the catheter tube is proximal to the target area. The sphenocath is then advanced relative to a sheath assembly so that the distal end of a sphenocath catheter tube extends from a sphenocath sheath tube distal end and bends along the guidewire. The guidewire is removed and contrast media, fluids, and/or medication is administered to the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine ganglion disposed within the sphenopalatine recess of the patient.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body comprising proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the elongated body comprises an inner liner that includes a proximal liner section and a distal liner section that include different materials, and an outer jacket positioned over the inner liner. The distal liner section has a first hardness and the proximal liner section has a second hardness, where the first hardness is less than the second hardness.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for placing an intravenous catheter, specifically a closed system for placing an intravenous catheter which prevents exposure by medical personnel to the patient's bodily fluids during the placement of the catheter; and with a retractable needle cannula in a manual billows mechanism for preventing its reuse, accidental puncture wounds and assuring safe disposal. This CPIVCSS has the advantages of (a) preventing medical personnel from being exposed to the contaminated bodily fluids or blood during the placing of the catheter in the patient; (b) reducing the possibility of multiple punctures and; (c) having an easily usable safety system.

Abstract: A canister for use in administering reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a center body, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The center body includes a first end, second end, and a number of fluidly separate body conduits. The first end cap is connected to the first end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The first end has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with the tissue site. The second end cap is connected to the second end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The second end cap has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with a reduced pressure source. The fluid connection between the body conduits and the return conduits creates a continuous, tortuous pathway.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent within a body lumen, and maintaining the therapeutic agent in contact with a wall of the body lumen for a beneficial period of time. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods to prevent lesions within the gastrointestinal tract from spreading into healthy surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A new minimally invasive surgical approach is proposed that contemplates a method and apparatus for tightening lax skin without visible scarring via a device in various surgical procedures such as plastic surgery procedures. In some embodiments, the device is a single use disposable instrument. This approach circumvents surgically related scarring and the clinical variability of electromagnetic heating of the skin and performs small multiple pixilated resections of skin as a minimally invasive alternative to large Plastic surgical resections of skin. This approach can also be employed in areas of the body that are currently off limits to plastic surgery due to the visibility of the surgical scar. In addition, the approach can perform a skin grafting operation by harvesting the transected incisions of skin from a tissue site of a donor onto a skin defect site of a recipient with reduced scarring of the patient's donor site.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a micro-needle having a leading end that can reach the dermis with certainty by penetrating through the epidermis when piercing the skin and that can supply a drug or the like to the dermis or to a region deeper than the dermis. Accordingly, this micro-needle (10) has a base (1) and a plate-shaped blade (2). The plate-shaped blade (2) and the base (1) are formed in an integrated manner, and the plateshaped blade (2) extends from an end (1A: step section) of the base (1). Alternatively, the present invention is characterized by having a base (111) and a conical leading end part (112) and a star-like polygonal cross-sectional shape part (114, 124) being formed in a region between the base (111) and the conical leading end part (112), and in that the base (111), the conical leading end part (112) and the starlike polygonal cross-sectional shape part (114, 124) are formed in an integrated manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides better protection to IC connection joints during assembly, access, connection, and during maintenance. The present disclosure relates to a protection barrier for an IV access system joint of an IV access system, so that the IV access system and patient are better protected from environmental contamination and microbial ingress between access events or while maintained in a connected configuration.

Abstract: In an example, an implantable medical device (IMD) includes a hold capacitor configured to deliver an electrical therapy pulse, and charge pump circuitry configured to transfer energy from the battery to the hold capacitor. In this example, the charge pump circuitry comprises a plurality of capacitors, and switching circuitry configured to put the charge pump circuitry into a K-factor mode selected from a group of K-factor modes by opening and closing a combination of switches connected to the plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: Example adjustable electrodes are described. One example adjustable electrode includes two or more contacts configured to selectively deliver high frequency alternating current (HFAC) to a nerve in an amount sufficient to produce an HFAC nerve conduction block in the nerve. The example adjustable electrode may also include a logic configured to selectively control which of the two or more contacts deliver HFAC to the nerve to control whether the nerve electrode is in a first (e.g., onset response mitigating) configuration or in a second (e.g., HFAC nerve conduction block maintenance) configuration. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications, and nerve stimulation applications. The electrode may be adjusted by changing attributes including, but not limited to, the number, length, orientation, distance between, surface area, and distance from a nerve of contacts to be used to deliver the HFAC.

Abstract: An implantable medical assist device includes a medical device. The medical device has a housing and electronics contained therein. A lead provides an electrical path to or from the electronics within the medical device. A resonance tuning module is located in the housing and is connected to the lead. The resonance tuning module includes a control circuit for determining a resonant frequency of the implantable medical assist device and an adjustable impedance circuit to change the combined resonant frequency of the medical device and lead.

Abstract: A method of delivering pulsed electrical energy to a target tissue region includes delivering a first therapeutic pulse, the delivering of the first therapeutic pulse includes delivering a first pulse for a first time period, the first pulse having a first voltage amplitude. A second pulse is delivered immediately after the first pulse for a second time period, the second pulse having a second voltage amplitude configured to electroporate the target tissue region, the second time period being less than the first time period. A third pulse is delivered without delay after the second pulse for a third time period, the third pulse having a third voltage amplitude being at least one from the group consisting of substantially the same as the first amplitude, larger than the first amplitude, and less than the first amplitude.

Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's hypoglossal nerve, applying an electric signal through the electrode to the hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue at least until the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences are reduced from an initial level to a treatment level, and reducing the application of the electric signal while the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences remain generally at or below the treatment level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable and integrated modules and devices for non-intrusive neuromodulation and monitoring of heart function, and methods of operation thereof. The modules and devices include a monitoring unit, an electrical stimulation inducing unit, and at least four electrodes, being controllably utilized for neuromodulation or for monitoring of heart function.

Abstract: A method of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) may include delivering an electrical signal via transdermal electrical stimulation using a plurality of electrodes connected to a patient. The electrical signal may include an amplitude and a carrier frequency. The method may include modulating at least one of the amplitude and the carrier frequency based on a modulation waveform to modulate the electrical signal, the modulation waveform may include a modulation frequency that is less than the carrier frequency.

Abstract: Deep brain stimulation of the ventral pallidum (VP-DBS) prevents or potently attenuates epileptiform activity and behavioral seizures. VP-DBS prior to pilocarpine prevented behavioral partial and generalized forebrain seizures and generalized brainstem seizures in most animals. VP-DBS after brainstem seizures emerged prevented or reduced the appearance of subsequent behavioral and electrographic brainstem seizures. Even if VP-DBS was turned on after partial forebrain seizures started, this timed approach could still reduce partial forebrain seizures but also prevented secondarily generalized forebrain seizures. Epileptiform activity in brainstem areas, especially in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) which controls cardiovascular function, was prevented by VP-DBS.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses separate varying electromagnetic fields, with a variety of temporal and amplitude characteristics, which are applied to a particular neural structure to modulate glial and neuronal interactions as a mechanism for relieving chronic pain. In another embodiment, a single composite modulation/stimulation signal which has rhythmically varying characteristics is used to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic fields. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for modulating the expression of genes involved in diverse pathways including inflammatory/immune system mediators, ion channels and neurotransmitters, in both the Spinal Cord (SC) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) where such expression modulation is caused by spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation using the disclosed apparatus and techniques.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker is disclosed for pacing cardiac tissue to improve synchrony between the atria and ventricles and/or between the left and right ventricles. A pulse generator is configured to deliver a pacing pulse to a patient's ventricle at an atrioventricular (AV) delay following a preceding atrial event. A sensing circuitry configured to sense a signal from the patient's ventricle following delivery of a said pacing pulse. A processing circuitry coupled to the pulse generator and the sensing circuitry and configured to control the pulse generator, the processing circuitry further configured to: (1) acquire from the sensed signal a set of features; (2) determine whether the ventricular pacing pulse effectively captures the patient's ventricle using the set of features; (3) determine whether one or more tissue latency conditions are present. The one or more pacing pulse parameters are adjusted, in response to determining that tissue latency is present.

Abstract: Examples are described for configuring cardiac pacing circuitry of an implantable medical device. Circuitry that is configurable to control delivery of therapy or sense signals in accordance with a plurality of vectors may determine that one or more pins, for therapy delivery or sensing in accordance with a first subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, are in an electrically floating state. Circuitry may selectively close one or more switches to couple at least a subset of the one or more pins to one or more set voltage levels, and deliver therapy in accordance with a vector of a second subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, wherein the second subset of vectors is different than the first subset of vectors.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for implantable medical devices includes a switch capacitor converter core including a plurality of power transistor switches configured to receive an input voltage and output an output voltage; a switch driver connected with the switch capacitor converter core and configured to turn on corresponding power transistor switches in the switch capacitor converter core so as to supply power to a load receiving the output voltage; a switch signal router connected with the switch driver and configured to selectively transmit signals required by the switch driver; a gain selection decoder connected with the switch signal router; a gain controller connected with the gain selection decoder, the gain selection decoder being configured to decode gain selection instructions transmitted from the gain controller; an input adjusting device connected with the gain controller and configured to receive the input voltage and a reference voltage, to indicate relationship between the input voltage and the referen

Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.

Abstract: Disclosed in an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external controller as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging. Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the external controller so that it can be reviewed by the user, who may take corrective action if necessary.