US4236525A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple function lead assembly
Assignee: Intermedics Inc
•
Filing: 1978-11-22
•
Granted: 1980-12-02
•
Expires: 1998-11-22
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods are provided for manually altering the function of the distal electrodes of a body implantable tissue stimulator assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the polarity of distal electrodes may be reversed by axially repositioning the proximal connectors within the female connector assembly of a tissue stimulator.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. Sluetz
- 👤 Richard V. Calfee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R24/00; H01R24/58; A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/372; A61N1/375; A61N1/3752; H01R2107/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for connecting a body implantable tissue stimulator and lead assembly, comprising at least two distal electrodes on said lead assembly for electrical stimulation or sensing, at least two coaxial proximal connectors on said lead assembly axially spaced apart and electrically connected to said distal electrodes for connecting said distal electrodes with said tissue stimulation means, a female connector assembly on said body implantable tissue stimulator adapted to electrically connect said proximal connector to said stimulator, insulator means intermediate adjacent ones of said coaxial proximal connectors having fluid sealing ribs cooperating with said female connector assembly for maintaining fluid isolation between said connectors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for connecting a body implantable tissue stimulator and lead assembly, comprising at least two distal electrodes on said lead assembly for electrical stimulation or sensing, at least two coaxial proximal connectors on said lead assembly axially spaced apart and electrically connected to said distal electrodes for connecting said distal electrodes with said tissue stimulation means, a female connector assembly on said body implantable tissue stimulator adapted to electrically connect said proximal connector to said stimulator, insulator means intermediate adjacent ones of said coaxial proximal connectors having fluid sealing ribs cooperating with said female connector assembly for maintaining fluid isolation between said connectors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein said at least two distal electrodes comprises two electrodes, and said at least two proximal connectors comprises two connectors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein said at least two distal electrodes are two distal electrodes; and said at least two proximal connectors are three proximal connectors; two of said three proximal connectors being connected to a first of said two distal electrodes, and the remaining one of said three proximal connectors being connected to a second of said two distal electrodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus described in claim 3, wherein said two proximal connectors bracket said remaining one proximal connector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein said tissue stimulation means comprises a female connector assembly having connection means for removably securing said at least two proximal connectors in electrical contact with said tissue stimulation means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus described in claim 5, wherein said connection means are located to align with two of said at least two proximal connectors when said at least two proximal connectors are inserted therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
A body implantable lead assembly, comprising at least two distal electrodes on said lead assembly for electrical stimulation or sensing, at least two coaxial proximal connectors on said lead assembly axially spaced apart and electrically connected with said distal electrodes, and insulator means intermediate adjacent ones of said at least two coaxial proximal connectors and having at least a portion with a diameter greater than the diameter of said adjacent electrodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
71 words
A body implantable lead assembly, comprising at least two distal electrodes on said lead assembly for electrical stimulation or sensing, at least two coaxial proximal connectors on said lead assembly axially spaced apart and electrically connected with said distal electrodes, and insulator means intermediate adjacent ones of said at least two coaxial proximal connectors and having at least a portion with a diameter greater than the diameter of said adjacent electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus described in claim 7, wherein said at least two distal electrodes comprises two electrodes and said at least two proximal connectors each comprises two connectors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus described in claim 7, wherein said at least two distal electrodes are two distal electrodes; and said at least two proximal connectors are three proximal connectors; two of said three proximal connectors being connected to a first of said two distal electrodes, and the remaining one of said three proximal connectors being connected to a second of said two distal electrodes.
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) | 1983-12-02 | 1984-06-02 | 1984-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-02 | 1988-06-02 | 1988-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-02 | 1992-06-02 | 1992-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |