초록 ▼

The alignment and positioning of an external device relative to an internal device is indicated on a display and/or by an acoustical signal. In the disclosed application, the external device transcutaneously transmits electromagnetic energy to an internal receiver to provide electrical power for an

The alignment and positioning of an external device relative to an internal device is indicated on a display and/or by an acoustical signal. In the disclosed application, the external device transcutaneously transmits electromagnetic energy to an internal receiver to provide electrical power for an implanted medical device. To ensure optimal coupling between the external transmitter and the internal receiver, two permanent magnets are disposed at spaced-apart positions on the internal receiver. The magnetic field strength of the permanent magnets is sensed by a pair of correspondingly spaced-apart Hall effect sensor on the external transmitter. As the external transmitter is moved about over the internal receiver, the signals produced by the Hall effect sensors drive a display of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicates when the maximum magnetic field strength is achieved, i.e., when the Hall effect sensors on the external transmitter are each positioned directly opposite the corresponding permanent magnets on the internal receiver.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The invention in which an exclusive right is claimed is defined by the following:] [1.] Apparatus for determining a position of an external device relative to an implanted device that is separated from the external device by tissue, to enable said external device to be aligned with the implanted d

[ The invention in which an exclusive right is claimed is defined by the following:] [1.] Apparatus for determining a position of an external device relative to an implanted device that is separated from the external device by tissue, to enable said external device to be aligned with the implanted device, comprising:(a) a magnet disposed on the external device;(b) a magnetic field sensor disposed on the implanted device, said magnetic field sensor producing a signal indicative of a magnetic field strength; and(c) an indicator coupled to the magnetic field sensor to receive the signal, said indicator providing an indication of the position of the external device relative to the implanted device as a function of the magnetic field strength sensed by the magnetic field sensor as said external device is moved adjacent to the implanted device, such that the indicator alerts a user when said external device is aligned with said implanted device.