US3896817A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implantable nerve stimulator
Assignee: Intermedics Inc
•
Filing: 1972-08-04
•
Granted: 1975-07-29
•
Expires: 1992-08-04
Abstract
Abstract An implantable stimulator for a nerve includes a voltage amplifier, a voltage regulator, a pulse generator, a pulse train generator, a pulse amplitude modulator, and at least one flexible conduit to a nerve, such stimulator being powered by the combination of a nucleonic heat generator, and a thermopile for converting thermal energy to electric energy. Each train of pulses is regulated so that the gradual variation in the amperage is from 25 per cent to 95 per cent more than the minimum amperage. A saw tooth pulse signal more closely simulates the biological stimulation of a nerve. The nerve stimulator is particularly effective as a nuclear-powered respiratory pacer for energizing a phrenic nerve for controlled breathing of a mammal.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F Hursen
- 👤 Steve Andrew Kolenik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/3601; A61N1/372; A61N1/378
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In a respiratory pacer, the combination of: a nuclear battery providing several years of useful life; electrical means converting electrical power from said battery to a series of signals having a frequency per minute corresponding approximately to the desired breathing rate, each signal comprising a plurality of direct current pulses, one output terminal being a connector and the other output terminal for said electrical means being the hereinafter recited casing adapted to contact liquids between organs within the body, some such liquids being where the pacer is implanted, said electrical means including means for modulating the amperage of a signal so that its maximum amperage is within the range from about 125 per cent to about 195 per cent of the minimum amperage of such signal; at least one conductor transmitting signals from said connector toward a phrenic nerve; and a casing containing said battery, electrical means, and said connector for said conductor, said casing hermetically sealing its contents from adverse effects attributable to said liquids, whereby the respiratory pacer may be implanted within a living body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a respiratory pacer, the combination of: a nuclear battery providing several years of useful life; electrical means converting electrical power from said battery to a series of signals having a frequency per minute corresponding approximately to the desired breathing rate, each signal comprising a plurality of direct current pulses, one output terminal being a connector and the other output terminal for said electrical means being the hereinafter recited casing adapted to contact liquids between organs within the body, some such liquids being where the pacer is implanted, said electrical means including means for modulating the amperage of a signal so that its maximum amperage is within the range from about 125 per cent to about 195 per cent of the minimum amperage of such signal; at least one conductor transmitting signals from said connector toward a phrenic nerve; and a casing containing said battery, electrical means, and said connector for said conductor, said casing hermetically sealing its contents from adverse effects attributable to said liquids, whereby the respiratory pacer may be implanted within a living body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an implantable nerve stimulator comprising at least one conductor transmitting signals toward a nerve, the improvement which includes: a casing; hermetic sealing means for said casing adapted to protect the contents of the casing from adverse effects attributable to liquids between organs; a nucleonic battery within the casing; means conducting current from said battery to the hereinafter recited circuit means; and electrical circuit means converting electrical power from said battery to signals consisting of a controlled train of direct current pulses transmitted by said conductor, said ciRcuit means including means for modulating the amperage of a signal so that its maximum amperage is within the range from about 125 per cent to about 195 per cent of the minimum amperage of such signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an implantable nerve stimulator comprising at least one conductor transmitting signals toward a nerve, the improvement which includes: a casing; hermetic sealing means for said casing adapted to protect the contents of the casing from adverse effects attributable to liquids between organs; a nucleonic battery within the casing; means conducting current from said battery to the hereinafter recited circuit means; and electrical circuit means converting electrical power from said battery to signals consisting of a controlled train of direct current pulses transmitted by said conductor, said ciRcuit means including means for modulating the amperage of a signal so that its maximum amperage is within the range from about 125 per cent to about 195 per cent of the minimum amperage of such signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The nerve stimulator of claim 2 in which the train of pulses constituting said signal has a sawtooth pattern with maximum amperage at about the terminal portion of the signal and a minimum amperage at about the initial portion of the signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The nerve stimulator of claim 2 in which there are a plurality of conductors and manually adjustable distribution means allocating the signal energy flowing respectively toward the right phrenic nerve and the left phrenic nerve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A nuclear powered respiratory pacer in accordance with claim 2 in which the output flowing toward at least one phrenic nerve is within the range from about 1 to about 5 milliwatts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A nuclear powered respiratory pacer in accordance with claim 5 in which the nuclear battery weighs about 92 grams and contains plutonium 238 as the radioisotope heat source.
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) | 1978-07-28 | 1979-01-27 | 1979-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-28 | 1983-01-27 | 1983-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-28 | 1987-01-27 | 1987-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |