US3857085A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pulse generator output regulator
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
•
Filing: 1972-05-24
•
Granted: 1974-12-24
•
Expires: 1992-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A regulator for a pulse generator used in heart pacers acts to decrease the output of the pulse generator in a linear fashion such that each pulse has an amplitude which is lower by a generally constant known amount than the pulse that immediately preceded it. By stepping down the output of the pulse generator to a critical value, the safety factor of the power source is easily determined and, if the power source loses energy in a manner which is predictable with time, the remaining useful life of the power source may also be determined.
Inventors
- 👤 P Mulier
- 👤 T Jirak
- 👤 L Kane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/36; A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/362; A61N1/37; A61N1/3706; A61N1/3708; H; H03; H03K; H03K3/00; H03K3/02; H03K3/26; H03K3/28; H03K3/281; H03K3/284
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
In combination with a pulse generator having power input terminals and an output capacitor, an output voltage regulator for selectively reducing the amplitude of successive output pulses in a generally linear fashion such that each pulse has an amplitude which is lower than the amplitude of the preceding pulse by a generally constant amount which is independent of the amplitude of the preceding pulse comprising: normally open switch means; energy storage means; means connected to said energy storage means and responsive thereto for controlling the charge on said output capacitor; circuit means connected to said energy storage means and said normally open switch means for charging said energy storage means when said normally open switch means is open; and constant current means connected to said energy storage means and said normally open means for continuously discharging said energy storage means at a generally constant rate when said normally open switch means is closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination with a pulse generator having power input terminals and an output capacitor, an output voltage regulator for selectively reducing the amplitude of successive output pulses in a generally linear fashion such that each pulse has an amplitude which is lower than the amplitude of the preceding pulse by a generally constant amount which is independent of the amplitude of the preceding pulse comprising: normally open switch means; energy storage means; means connected to said energy storage means and responsive thereto for controlling the charge on said output capacitor; circuit means connected to said energy storage means and said normally open switch means for charging said energy storage means when said normally open switch means is open; and constant current means connected to said energy storage means and said normally open means for continuously discharging said energy storage means at a generally constant rate when said normally open switch means is closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The combination claim 1 wherein said constant current means comprises a field effect device having source, drain and gate electrodes with the drain electrode being connected to the output capacitor charge controlling Means, the gate electrode being connected to a terminal and an impedance means connecting the source electrode to the terminal, the terminal being selectively connected to one pulse generator power input terminal by said normally open switch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said circuit means comprises a field effect device having source, drain and gate electrodes, the drain electrode being connected to another pulse generator power input terminal, the source electrode being connected to the energy storage device and the gate electrode being connected to said terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said output capacitor charge controlling means comprises electronic switch means, said electronic switch means being fully on when said energy storage device is fully charged and gradually turning off as said energy storage device discharges.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein said output capacitor charge controlling means comprises a transistor having emitter, base and collector electrodes with the base electrode being electrically connected to the energy storage device, the collector electrode being connected to said another pulse generator power input terminal and the emitter electrode being electrically connected to the output capacitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said normally open switch comprises a magnetically operable switch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-06-24 | 1978-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-23 | 1982-06-24 | 1982-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-23 | 1986-06-24 | 1986-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |