US6711440B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
MRI-compatible medical device with passive generation of optical sensing signals
Assignee: Biophan Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2002-04-11
•
Granted: 2004-03-23
•
Expires: 2022-04-11
Abstract
Abstract An optical sense signal generator for medical device's having a photonic catheter containing optical conductors conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a catheter proximal end and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a catheter distal end. An optical unit receives light delivered from the catheter proximal end and transmits a first portion of the light while diverting a second portion of the light. The transmitted light is fed to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals. The diverted light is directed to one or more optical modulators that modulate the diverted light output under an applied electrical signal. An electrical circuit generates electrical sense signals corresponding to one or more sensed physiological conditions and provides the signals to the optical modulator(s). This results in modulation of the diverted light output into optical sense signals that are transmitted to the catheter proximal end.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey T. Deal
- 👤 Wilson Greatbatch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/372; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2808; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
228 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
228 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said optical homogenizer is a prismatic optical homogenizer having a first end adapted to receive said light input and a second end having a partially reflective coating thereon for reflecting said second portion of said light input to said first end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a partially reflective material covering all of said second end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a fully reflective material covering a peripheral portion of said second end while leaving uncovered a central portion of said second end for transmitting said second portion of said light input.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for conditioning a physiological sense signal generated via interaction of said sensing component with body tissue into said electrical sense signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for obtaining electrical power from said transmitted light output.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
235 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
235 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical sense signal generator as claimed in claim 7 , wherein said crystalline material is selected from the group consisting of lithium niobate, indium phosphide and gallium arsenide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
237 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
237 words
An optical sense signal generator for photonic pacemakers and other opto-electric medical stimulation equipment and adapted to operate at the distal end of an implantable photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at the catheter distal end, said optical sense signal generator, comprising: an optical unit adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
226 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
226 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said optical unit is a prismatic optical homogenizer having a first end adapted to receive said light input and a second end having a partially reflective coating thereon for reflecting said second portion of said light input to said first end.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a partially reflective material covering all of said second end.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a fully reflective material covering a peripheral portion of said second end while leaving uncovered a central portion of said second end for transmitting said second portion of said light input.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for conditioning a physiological sense signal generated via interaction of said sensing component with body tissue into said electrical sense signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for obtaining electrical power from said transmitted light output.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
233 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
233 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The photonic pacemaker as claimed in claim 16 , wherein said crystalline material is selected from the group consisting of lithium niobate, indium phosphide and gallium arsenide.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
235 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
235 words
A photonic pacemaker having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said diverted light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
231 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
231 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 19 , wherein said optical unit is a prismatic optical homogenizer having a first end adapted to receive said light input and a second end having a partially reflective coating thereon for reflecting said second portion of said light input to said first end.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 20 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a partially reflective material covering all of said second end.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
50 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 20 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a fully reflective material covering a peripheral portion of said second end while leaving uncovered a central portion of said second end for transmitting said second portion of said light input.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 19 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for conditioning a physiological sense signal generated via interaction of said sensing component with body tissue into said electrical sense signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 19 , wherein said electrical circuit comprises means for obtaining electrical power from said transmitted light output.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
238 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an onto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
238 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an onto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system as claimed in claim 25 , wherein said crystalline material is selected from the group consisting of lithium niobate, indium phosphide and gallium arsenide.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
240 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
240 words
An opto-electric medical stimulation and sensing system having a photonic catheter containing one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of said catheter and electrical stimulation and sensing components at a distal end of said catheter, comprising: an optical sense signal generator located at said catheter distal end; an optical unit in said sense signal generator adapted to receive a light input delivered from said catheter proximal end by one of said optical conductors and to transmit a first portion of said light input as a transmitted light output to an opto-electrical converter for conversion into electrical stimulation signals while diverting a second portion of said light input as a diverted light output; an optical modulator in said sense signal generator positioned to receive said diverted light output and being adapted to modulate said diverted light output under an applied electrical signal; an electrical circuit in said sense signal generator, said electrical circuit being connected to an electrical sensing component at said catheter distal end and adapted to generate an electrical sense signal corresponding to a physiological condition to be sensed by said sensing component; and said electrical circuit being connected to provide said electrical sense signal to said optical modulator in order to modulate said reflected light output into a sensing optical signal; said electrical circuit including means for converting said electrical sense signal from analog to digital form.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
167 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
167 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said optical unit being an optical homogenizer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
48 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said optical unit is a prismatic optical homogenizer having a first end adapted to receive the light and a second end having a partially reflective coating thereon for reflecting a portion of the light to said first end.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 29 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a partially reflective material covering all of said second end.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
44 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 29 , wherein said partially reflective coating comprises a fully reflective material covering a peripheral portion of said second end while leaving uncovered a central portion of said second end for transmitting a portion of the light.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said sensor comprises means for conditioning the generated physiological sense signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said sensor is operatively connected to said opto-electrical converter to receive electrical power therefrom.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
174 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
174 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said optical modulator being composed of a crystalline material having electrically controllable optical properties.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The optical device as claimed in claim 34 , wherein said crystalline material is selected from the group consisting of lithium niobate, indium phosphide, and gallium arsenide.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
175 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said sensor including means for converting the generated physiological sense signal into a digital signal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
175 words
An optical device adapted to operate at the distal end of a photonic catheter having one or more optical conductors for conducting light energy in two directions between electronics at a proximal end of the photonic catheter and electrical components at the distal end of the photonic catheter, comprising: an opto-electrical converter to convert received light into electrical signals; an optical unit adapted to receive light delivered from the proximal end of the photonic catheter via an optical conductor; said optical unit transmitting a first portion of the received light as transmitted light out to said opto-electrical converter while substantially simultaneously diverting a second portion of the received light; an optical modulator positioned to receive the light diverted by said optical unit; and a sensor, operatively connected to said optical modulator, to generate a physiological sense signal corresponding to a sensed physiological condition; said optical modulator modulating the diverted light based upon the physiological sense signal generated by said sensor; said sensor including means for converting the generated physiological sense signal into a digital signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-03-23 | 2007-09-22 | 2008-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-23 | 2011-09-22 | 2012-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-23 | 2015-09-22 | 2016-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |