Transfer Coil Architecture

• US 20090157145A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 06/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc.
• Original Assignee: MicroTransponder Inc.
• Inventors: Cauller, Lawrence
• Application Number:
  US12/323,904
• Publication Number:
  US 20090157145A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/60
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6849 in combination with a needle set
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5058 having means for restoring the perception of senses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6827 Feedback system for providing user sensation, e.g. by force, contact or position
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/705 Electromagnetic data transfer for implantable prostheses A61F2250/0002
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 17/0006 Printed inductances printed coils for dynamo-electric machines H02K3/26; printed circuits H05K
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 27/402 Association of measuring or protective means
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 38/14 Inductive couplings for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling H02J50/10
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48091 Arched
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details

Abstract

A system of wireless microtransponders, each including a RF resonator circuit for wireless power induction. An external power coil transmits RF energy at a matching or harmonic frequency to deliver power by near field induction to an intermediate, subcutaneous coil. Power is initially transmitted to a subdermal coil and relayed to the subcutaneous coil. The subcutaneous coil is used to transfer the RF signal and power the microtransponder using the resonator circuit. The external power coil RF frequency is tuned to match or be a harmonic of the micro-coil within the resonator.

Claims

1. A wireless transponder system for deep implantation in a patient, comprising:

a first biocompatible coil;

an electrical connection coupling said first biocompatible coil to a second biocompatible coil; and

a biocompatible microtransponder wirelessly coupled to said second biocompatible coil;

wherein said microtransponder is powered by said second biocompatible coil, using power coupled through said electrical connection from said first biocompatible coil.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first biocompatible coil is under a skin surface, and closer thereto than said second biocompatible coil is.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the first biocompatible coil receiving radio frequency power matching a critical frequency of a micro-coil and a resonator circuit within at least one microtransponder.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an external coil transmitting a radio frequency power signal to said first biocompatible coil.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an external coil transmitting a radio frequency signal at a resonant or harmonic frequency of a resonator power circuit in at least one microtransponder to the first biocompatible coil.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the first biocompatible coil receiving a radio frequency power signal to transmit to the second biocompatible coil to wirelessly power at least one microtransponder.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising:

a resonance tuning circuit positioned between the first and second biocompatible coil.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the power signal received by the first biocompatible coil converted to a direct current signal; and

a converter circuit transforming the direct current signal to an alternating current signal compatible for power transfer from the second biocompatible coil to wirelessly power at least one transponder.

9. A deep implantation transponder system, comprising:

an outer transfer coil implanted proximate to the skin;

an inner transfer coil implanted proximate to one or more microtransponders implanted at least proximate to biological tissue, said outer transfer coil and said inner transfer coil being electrically coupled together; and

the outer transfer coil tuned to an external power coil for near field magnetic coupling allowing power from the external coil to power said microtransponders.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the inner transfer coil receives radio frequency power at a critical frequency of a micro-coil and a resonator circuit within at least one microtransponder.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the external power coil transmits a radio frequency signal tuned to match a resonant or harmonic frequency of a resonator power circuit in at least one microtransponder.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the outer transfer coil receives a radio frequency signal at a select frequency to generate an alternating current signal tuned to power at least one microtransponder.

13. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a resonance tuning circuit interposed between the outer transfer coil and the inner transfer coil.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the inner transfer coil receives power at a resonant or harmonic frequency of a resonator power circuit within a microtransponder comprised of at least a micro-coil and a resonator circuit.

15-31. -31. (canceled)

32. A method for powering a deep implantation transponder in a patient, comprising the steps of:

coupling a subdermal outer transfer coil to an inner transfer coil located proximate to a plurality of microtransponders; and

driving the inner transfer coil at a resonant or harmonic frequency of a resonator power circuit in said microtransponders to power said microtransponders.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the subdermal outer transfer coil receives a power signal from an exterior coil.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the power signal is an alternating current signal transmitted at the resonant or harmonic frequency.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the power signal is converted to the resonant or harmonic frequency using a converter circuit interposed between the outer transfer coil and the inner transfer coil.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the power signal is transmitted at the resonant or harmonic frequency of the inner transfer coil to induce an alternating current from the inner transfer coil.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein an inner transfer coil alternating current power signal is tuned to the resonant or harmonic frequency.

38-59. -59. (canceled)