163081 results about "Electric power" patented technology

A spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system includes multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which channels can provide concurrent, but unique stimulation fields, permitting virtual electrodes to be realized. The SCS system includes a replenishable power source (e.g., rechargeable battery), that may be recharged using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery can be used to charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. An included bi-directional telemetry link in the system informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in the IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made. Further circuitry in the external battery charger can provide alignment detection for the coil pairs.

An electrosurgical system comprises a radio frequency generator (1), an electrosurgical instrument (E1), and a fluid enclosure (42). The generator (1) has a radio frequency output for delivery of power to the electrosurgical instrument (E1) when immersed in an electrically-conductive fluid. The electrosurgical instrument (E1) has an electrode assembly (32) at the distal end thereof, the electrode assembly comprising a tissue treatment electrode (34), and a return electrode (38) axially spaced therefrom in such a manner as to define, in use, a conductive fluid path that completes an electrical circuit between the tissue treatment electrode and the return electrode. The fluid enclosure (42) is adapted to surround an operation site on the skin of a patient or an incision leading to a cavity surgically created within the patient's body. The fluid enclosure (42) includes sealing means (44) for sealing against the patient's tissue, and the fluid enclosure includes at least one port (50a, 52a) through which the electrosurgical (E1) is insertable, and through which the electrically-conductive fluid can enter and/or leave the enclosure.

A surgical power tool includes a hand unit and a detachable power module received in the hand unit to provide power to the hand unit. The power module includes a housing, an electric motor in the housing to provide mechanical energy to the hand unit, an electrical power supply in the housing to provide electrical energy to the electric motor, and an electronic controller in the housing for controlling the electric motor. Since the power module is received in the hand unit, there is no need for the power module to be sterilized.

An adapter allows the interconnection of a sensor originating from one manufacturer to be coupled with conventionally incompatible monitors originating from other manufacturers to form a properly functioning pulse oximetry system. The adapter matches a sensor driver in a monitor to the current requirements and light source configuration of a sensor. The adapter also matches a sensor's light detector signal level to the dynamic range requirements of a monitor preamplifier. Further, the adapter provides compatible sensor calibration, sensor type and security information to a monitor. The adapter may have a self-contained power source or it may derive power from the monitor, allowing both passive and active adapter components. The adapter is particular suited as an adapter cable, replacing a conventional patient cable or sensor cable as the interconnection between a sensor to a monitor in a pulse oximetry system.

An AED being powered by 120/240 VAC electrical power alone, being powered by external DC power alone, or any in combination with or without internal-integral battery power, and further an AED access service business method for sales of access to AEDs. The inventive AED, in addition to the defibrillator circuitry comprises a long, tangle free power access cord to be plugged into an external source of AC or DC power and optionally, additional sets of body surface and alternative electrodes positioned in the esophagus and/or heart. The AED has additional advanced capabilities including the ability to deliver rapid sequential shocks through one or more sets of patient electrodes, and the optional mode of shock delivery whereby the shock is delayed while the AED continues to analyze the patients ECG waveform and delays the defibrillation shock or sequence of shocks until the ECG analysis indicates conditions are optimum for successful defibrillation.

An electrically heated smoking system includes a shell and a replaceable mouthpiece. The shell includes an electric power supply and electric circuitry. The mouthpiece includes a liquid storage portion and a capillary wick having a first end and a second end. The first end of the wick extends into the liquid storage portion for contact with liquid therein. The mouthpiece also includes a heating element for heating the second end of the capillary wick, an air outlet, and an aerosol forming chamber between the second end of the capillary wick and the air outlet. When the shell and mouthpiece are engaged or connected, the heating element is in electrical connection with the power supply via the circuitry, and a flowpath for air is defined from at least one air inlet to the air outlet via the aerosol forming chamber. In use, liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion towards the heating element by capillary action in the wick. Liquid at the second end of the capillary wick is vaporized by the heating element. The supersaturated vapor created, is mixed and carried in the air flow from the at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming chamber. In the aerosol forming chamber, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol, which is carried towards the air outlet.

A surgical attachment includes a surgical tool, an actuator configured to drive the surgical tool, and a power cell for providing electrical power to the actuator, the power cell being configured to accumulate stored electrical energy during an idle state of the actuator and to discharge at least a portion of the stored energy to power the actuator during a peak load of the actuator.

The invention generally concerns systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the power consumption of a power-consuming device. The system and method may connect to a power source and a power-consuming device, connecting the power-consuming device to the power source. The power usage of the power-consuming device may then be measured and monitored. This monitoring data may then be stored and optionally sent to a controlling device on a data network. The location of the power-consuming device may also be determined, recorded, and sent to a controlling device. The system may also control the power usage of the power-consuming device. In some cases, a remote server may connect multiple energy monitoring systems in order to gain additional efficiencies and foster a community-based social network.

One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and/or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and/or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust electrical and/or drug stimulation parameters.

A system for providing power to a wireless card includes power interface that provides power to a compact flash card. A boost regulator boosts the power from the power interface. A battery provides power that is summed with the power from the power interface. Moreover, a buck regulator limits the voltage of the summed power. A compact flash card can be powered by the power interface while a wireless card can be powered by the summed power.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to brain, liver, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a source of super-cooled fluid for selectively providing super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, a supply of conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the target tissue, and alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode. A method in accord with the present invention includes delivering super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, evaluating whether the temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity is the desired cessation of cellular or electrical activity, and if so, delivering a conductive fluid to the predetermined tissue ablation site for a predetermined time period, applying a predetermined power level of radio frequency current to the tissue, monitoring at least one of several parameters, and adjusting either the applied power and/or the fluid flow in response to the measured parameters.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for transferring power wirelessly to electronic devices. The system can utilize magnetic coupling between two coils at close proximity to transfer sufficient power to charge an electronic device. Embodiments of the invention pertain to an array of spiral coils that can be used to transmit power for transfer to receiver coils. Potential applications of this technology include charging consumer electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, PDAs, etc), developing hermetically sealed devices for extreme environments, and less invasive transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems. Various embodiments of the subject system can be referred to as PowerPad system. Embodiments can incorporate one or more of the following: planar inductors, PCB transformers, and very high frequency power supplies. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to planar inductors having characteristics that allow the production of even magnetic field, as well as systems that incorporate such planar inductors.

The present invention provides a system for operating a power line communications system that employs surface wave communications and conducted communications. The system is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, communication interface devices, backhaul devices, medium voltage transducers, distribution points, aggregation points, and others. In one embodiment, surface waves are communicated over the medium voltage power lines and the conducted communications are communicated via the low voltage power lines to and from customer premises.