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High output sensor and accelerometer implantable medical device

  • US 5,911,738 A
  • Filed: 10/14/1997
  • Issued: 06/15/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable stimulator comprising a pulse generator, an accelerometer or sensor assembly mounted within the stimulator for providing a signal indicative of a patient'"'"'s level of activity, and a control circuit responsive to the accelerometer signal for controlling operation of the pulse generator, the accelerometer assembly comprising:

  • a first generally planar layer formed from a first piezoelectric material, the first layer having a first upper surface, a first lower surface and a first outer edge, the first outer edge extending between the first upper surface and the first lower surface, the first upper surface and the first outer edge forming a first outer surface;

    a second generally planar layer formed from a second piezoelectric material, the second layer having a second upper surface, a second lower surface and a second outer edge, the second outer edge extending between the second upper surface and the second lower surface, the second upper surface being disposed beneath the first lower surface, the first lower surface engaging directly or being disposed propinquant to at least portions of the second upper surface, the first and second outer edges being substantially aligned respecting one another, the second lower surface and the second outer edge forming a second outer surface;

    at least one intermediate internal electrically conductive layer disposed between at least portions of the first lower surface and the second upper surface, the internal electrically conductive layer not being disposed at all locations between the first lower surface and the second upper surface but extending to an external region disposed between the first outer edge and the second outer edge, the first generally planar layer, the second generally planar layer and the internal electrically conductive layer collectively forming a piezoelectric sub-assembly, andan external electrically conductive layer disposed on at least portions of the first outer surface and on at least portions of the second outer surface, the external electrically conductive layer covering at least portions of, and being electrically connected to, the external region of the internal electrically conductive layer;

    wherein portions of the external electrically conductive layer have been removed to form at least first and second electrically conductive regions that are electrically isolated from one another.

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