Method and apparatus for setting and changing parameters or functions of an implanted device
First Claim
1. A method for setting and adjusting parameters or functions of an implanted device utilizing a piezoelectric sensor implanted in the user'"'"'s body, comprising the steps of:
- a. causing a physical impact on the user'"'"'s body adjacent the sensor;
b. piezoelectrically converting the impact into an appropriate electrical signal; and
c. utilizing the electrical signal for setting and/or adjusting parameters or functions of the implanted device,whereby the parameters or functions can be set or adjusted at will by simply causing a physical impact on the user'"'"'s body adjacent the sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A piezoelectric device and method are provided for setting or adjusting parameters or functions of an implanted device, such as the pacing rate of a pacer, at the will of its user/wearer or others, simply by making slight impacts on the user/wearer'"'"'s body near the implanted piezoelectric device. The device has a piezoelectric sensor which picks up the physical impact and converts it to an electrical signal. Additional amplification and detection/decoding circuits can be provided to strengthen the signal and to separate intentional impacts from any unintentional impacts and noise.
42 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for setting and adjusting parameters or functions of an implanted device utilizing a piezoelectric sensor implanted in the user'"'"'s body, comprising the steps of:
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a. causing a physical impact on the user'"'"'s body adjacent the sensor; b. piezoelectrically converting the impact into an appropriate electrical signal; and c. utilizing the electrical signal for setting and/or adjusting parameters or functions of the implanted device, whereby the parameters or functions can be set or adjusted at will by simply causing a physical impact on the user'"'"'s body adjacent the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18)
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- 10. Piezoelectric sensor means for setting and adjusting the parameters or functions of an implantable device, said sensor means comprising an electrical circuit coupled to the implantable device and a piezoelectric sensor implantable in the body of the user and connected to said electrical circuit, said piezoelectric sensor means including means for converting physical impacts on the body of the user adjacent said sensor into electrical signals which are supplied to an utilized by said electrical circuit for setting or adjusting parameters or functions of the implantable device, whereby the operation of the implantable device can be set or adjusted by a simple impact on the body of the user adjacent said sensor.
Specification