Body stimulator output circuit

• US 4,476,868 A
• Filed: 09/08/1980
• Issued: 10/16/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Med-El Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Thompson, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US06/184,777
• Time in Patent Office: 1,499 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 PG
• US Class Current: 607/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/365 controlled by a physiological parameter, e.g. heart potential evoked response A61N1/371

Abstract

A body implantable stimulator having an output capacitance. Provision is made to increase the charge rate of the capacitance for a predetermined period following an output stimulation signal.

Claims

1. A body implantable stimulator of the type having output means adapted for connection to the body for the delivery of stimulation signals thereto comprising means for storing stimulation energy connected to said output means, means controlling the discharge of said energy storing means, means forming a first charge path for said energy storing means and means forming a second, selectively conductive, charge path for said energy storing means, said second charge path having a lower impedance than said first charge path and including means for selectively rendering said second charge path conductive independently of the charge of said stimulation energy storing means and said energy storing means discharge controlling means.

2. The stimulator of claim 1 wherein said second charge path comprises shunt means.

3. The stimulator of claim 2 wherein said shunt means comprises electronic switch means.

4. The stimulator of claim 1 wherein said first charge path comprises resistance means, said second charge path comprising means selectively shunted across said resistance means.

5. The stimulator of claim 4 wherein said means selectively shunted across said resistance means comprises electronic switch means.