Power generation for implantable devices

• US 20080300660A1
• Filed: 06/02/2008
• Published: 12/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
• Original Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
• Inventors: John, Michael Sasha
• Granted Patent: US 8,805,530 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/61
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37252 Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3785 generated by biological activity or substance, e.g. body movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/70 involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/40 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 for data transfer in combination with power transfer

Abstract

An implantable, rechargeable medical system comprised of an implanted device, a power storage device connected to the implantable device, and a charging device operatively connected to the electrical storage device. The charging device can be thermoelectric and have components for transferring thermal energy from an intracranial heat accumulator to an extra-cranial heat sink, for generating an electrical current from the thermal energy transfer, for charging the electrical storage device using the electrical current, for measuring power generation, usage and reserve levels, for measuring temperatures of the intracranial and extra-cranial components, for physically disrupting heat transfer and charging operations, and for generating signals relevant to the status of temperature and electricity transfer in relation to energy generation criteria. The system may also have long-range and short range wireless power harvesting capability as well as movement, and photovoltaic charging capability. Components may be dual purpose, being used for receiving wireless energy as well as for accomplishing other operations such as sensing or stimulating. Specialized accessories assist with providing enhanced wireless power charging.

Claims

1. A cranially disposed thermoelectric power generator having a first surface which is an approximately extra-cranially disposed dorsal surface and said second surface is an approximately intra-cranially disposed ventral surface, and which is configured to generate electricity based upon a thermal gradient which occurs between said first and seconds surface.

2. The thermoelectric power generator of claim 1, wherein said first surface is an approximately extra-cranially disposed dorsal surface of a ferrule device and said second surface is an approximately intra-cranially disposed ventral surface of the ferrule device.

3. The thermoelectric power generator of claim 1, wherein said first surface is an approximately extra-cranially disposed dorsal surface of a neurostimulator and said second surface is an approximately intra-cranially disposed ventral surface of a neurostimulator.

4. The thermoelectric power generator of claim 1, wherein said first surface is an approximately extra-cranially disposed dorsal surface of a power generation module and said second surface is an approximately intra-cranially disposed ventral surface of a power generation module.

5. The thermoelectric power generator of claim 1, wherein said first surface is an approximately extra-cranially disposed dorsal surface which contains a thermal receiver plate module which may be partially comprised of a thermally dispersive material which is at least one of:

a solid;

a liquid; and

a solid having a beveled surface.

6. A cranially disposed wireless energy harvester comprising:

A rechargeable power supply;

A photovoltaic charger configured for charging the rechargeable power supply, said charger containing at least one photosensitive surface which is cranially disposed and configured with a light-to-electricity transducer.

7. The wireless energy harvester of claim of 6 which is a photovoltaic charger having a light sensitive surface is the dorsal side of a cranially situated neurostimulator.

8. The wireless energy harvester of claim of 6 which is a photovoltaic charger having a light sensitive surface is disposed in an extracranial location.

9. The wireless energy harvester of claim of 6 which is a photovoltaic charger having a light sensitive is disposed to flank the intra-cranial surface above the meninges.

10. The wireless energy harvester of claim of 6 which is a photovoltaic charger having a light sensitive surface is disposed to flank the intra-cranial surface below the meninges.

11. A cranially disposed neurostimulation system configured for harvesting wireless power comprising:

a rechargeable power source;

a wireless power recharging system;

a control subsystem that is configured for operating the recharging system and for operating a treatment subsystem, wherein the control subsystem is further configured for modifying its operation of the recharging system based upon its operating of the treatment subsystem.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein operating of the treatment subsystem comprises a sensing operation.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein operating of the treatment subsystem comprises a simulation operation.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein operating of the treatment subsystem comprises a communication operation.

15. The device of claim 11 wherein modifying the operation of the recharging system comprises halting power harvesting.

16. The device of claim 11 wherein modifying the operation of the recharging system comprises halting power harvesting for a selected duration.

17. The device of claim 11 wherein modifying the operation of the recharging system comprises decreasing the amount of power harvesting.