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Regenerative electrical

  • US 5,314,457 A
  • Filed: 04/08/1993
  • Issued: 05/24/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A nerve regeneration device of the type comprising an external controller portion and an implantable stimulator portion, the stimulator portion to provide electrical stimulus to nerve tissue;

  • the external controller comprising;

    a first antenna coil;

    a radio frequency transmitter connected to the antenna coil, the transmitter generating electromagnetic radiation at a selected transmission frequency;

    whereby the antenna coil radiates the electromagnetic radiation as a signal;

    a first receiver means connected to the first antenna coil to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back to the first antenna coil, the receiver having means for generating a signal corresponding to the reflected electromagnetic radiation;

    a control processor connected to the receiver means, the control processor having means for receiving and responding to said signal;

    the stimulator portion comprising;

    a second antenna coil that couples with the first antenna coil and absorbs a portion of the electromagnetic radiation;

    a sensing means for detecting a specified condition of the stimulator portion, the sensing means providing a condition indicating signal which varies as a function of the condition;

    a reflecting means for reflecting a portion of the electromagnetic radiation as a signal back to the first antenna coil;

    a switching means for activating and deactivating said reflecting means;

    a second control processor connected to the switching means and to the sensing means;

    the control processor having means for operating the switching means in accordance with the condition indicating signal, whereby the reflected electromagnetic radiation forms an encoded signal corresponding to the specified condition.

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