Simultaneous radio frequency and magnetic field microprocessor reset circuit

• US 5,186,170 A
• Filed: 12/05/1991
• Issued: 02/16/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc
• Original Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc
• Inventors: Varrichio, Anthony J., Winstrom, William L., Stanislaw, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US07/802,735
• Time in Patent Office: 439 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 PG, 128/419 PT, 128/421, 128/422, 128/423 R
• US Class Current: 607/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/025 Digital circuitry features of electrotherapy devices, e.g. memory, clocks, processors
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36064 Epilepsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37217 characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/468 characterised by reference voltage circuitry, e.g. soft start, remote shutdown

Abstract

An implant for stimulating the vagus nerve receives commands over a radio frequency link. The implant disables a voltage convertor used in providing the stimulation signal at periodic intervals to monitor for communications attempts. The implant provides radio frequency marker pulses before providing stimulation signals of certain frequencies. During the providing of stimulation signals the implant monitors the voltage overhead present between the voltage source and the load and adjusts the overhead to a desired level. The implant changes the voltage applied to certain internal components during stimulation periods to allow full power operation during those intervals and reduced power levels at other intervals. The implant is reset by the placing a magnet in a given location in conjunction with the application of a radio frequency transmission for a given period.

Claims

1. A microprocessor reset circuit, comprising:

a microprocessor having a reset input;

means for receiving a radio frequency transmission and producing an output signal;

means for sensing the presence of a magnetic field; and

means connected to said radio frequency transmission means, to said magnetic field sensing means and to said microprocessor reset input for providing a signal to said microprocessor reset input if said magnetic field is present while a radio frequency transmission is received for at least a predetermined interval.

2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein said magnetic field sensing means includes a reed switch.

3. The circuit of claim 2, further comprising:

a voltage source providing a ground reference and a high voltage level for developing logic high and logic low voltage levels, said voltage source connected to said microprocessor, said radio frequency transmission receiving means, said magnetic field sensing means and said reset signal means, and

wherein said radio frequency transmission receiving means includes a transistor having an output and connected to provide a logic low voltage on said output as said output signal when said radio frequency transmission is present.

4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein said reset signal means includes a capacitor connected to said reset input and to a logic high voltage level.

5. The circuit of claim 4, further comprising:

a resistor connected between said microprocessor reset input and said transistor output, and

wherein said resistor output is connected to provide a logic high voltage on said output when said radio frequency transmission is not present and wherein said microprocessor resets when a logic low level is present at said reset input.

6. The circuit of claim 5, wherein said reed switch has a first terminal connected to ground to provide a logic low level and a second terminal connected to said first terminal when a magnetic field is present and open when no magnetic field is present.

the circuit further comprising a resistor connected to said voltage source high voltage level and said reed switch second terminal to produce a logic high level on said reed switch second terminal when a magnetic field is not present and a logic low level when a magnetic field is present;

and a device connected between said reed switch second terminal and said reset input which allows current to flow from said reed switch second terminal to said reset input when the voltage of said reed switch second terminal is an amount greater than said reset input.