US4522209A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cochlear prosthesis test system
Assignee: Australian Government
•
Filing: 1983-04-11
•
Granted: 1985-06-11
•
Expires: 2003-04-11
Abstract
Abstract A test system for a sealed, sterile package containing a cochlear prosthesis electrode. A light-emitting diode has its two leads in contact with at least two different conducting bands on the electrode. The prosthesis, which is externally-powered, is operated so as to supply a stimulus current between the two bands. If the light-emitting diode is illuminated, proper operation of the prosthesis can be verified without unsealing the package.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Patrick
- 👤 Peter A. Crosby
- 👤 Janusz A. Kuzma
- 👤 David K. Money
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0095; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/362; A61N1/37; A61N1/372; A61N2001/37294
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A test system comprising a sealed sterile package, said package containing a medical device whose proper operation is to be verified prior to opening of the package; means in said package, not forming part of said medical device, for indicating the status of said medical device when said medical device is operated; means for connecting said indicating means to said medical device; and means for enabling operation of said medical device while it is in said package prior to the opening thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A test system comprising a sealed sterile package, said package containing a medical device whose proper operation is to be verified prior to opening of the package; means in said package, not forming part of said medical device, for indicating the status of said medical device when said medical device is operated; means for connecting said indicating means to said medical device; and means for enabling operation of said medical device while it is in said package prior to the opening thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A test system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicating means generates a light signal and said package is sufficiently transparent in the vicinity of said indicating means to permit viewing thereof while said package is still sealed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A test system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said indicating means is powered from said medical device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A test system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said medical device is normally powered from a disconnected source by means of electromagnetic radiation coupled thereto, and said package allows the transmission therethrough of electromagnetic radiation for powering said medical device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A test system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said medical device is a tissue-stimulating prosthesis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
A test system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said connecting means includes a support member having at least three grooves disposed on the exterior thereof, said medical device being contained in the first of said grooves, said indicating means having a pair of wires each contained in a respective one of the second and third grooves, and a pair of means extended through said support member each for contacting both said medical device in said first groove and a wire in a respective one of said second and third grooves.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
A test system in accordance with claim 6 further including an elastic tube surrounding said support member for applying pressure to said medical device and said pair of wires in their respective grooves, whereby electrical contact is maintained between said medical device and both of said contacting means and between each of said wires and its respective contacting means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A test system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said support member has a fourth groove surrounded by said elastic tube which facilitates cutting of said elastic tube remote from said medical device and removal of said medical device from said support member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A test system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said package includes a tray and said tube is glued to said tray.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A test system in accordance with claim 6 wherein each of said contacting means is made of a biocompatible metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A test system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said medical device is a cochlear prosthesis with an electrode array having a plurality of conducting bands therearound, and each of said contacting means contacts at least one conducting band which is not contacted by the other contacting means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A test system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicating means is powered from said medical device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
A test system in accordance with claim 12 wherein said medical device is normally powered from a disconnected source by means of electromagnetic radiation coupled thereto, and said package allows the transmission therethrough of electromagnetic radiation for powering said medical device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A test system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said medical device is a tissue-stimulating prosthesis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
91 words
A test system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a support member having at least three grooves disposed on the exterior thereof, said medical device being contained in the first of said grooves, said indicating means having a pair of wires each contained in a respective one of the second and third grooves, and a pair of means extended through said support member each for contacting both said medical device in said first groove and a wire in a respective one of said second and third grooves.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
A test system in accordance with claim 15 further including an elastic tube surrounding said support member for applying pressure to said medical device and said pair of wires in their respective grooves, whereby electrical contact is maintained between said medical device and both of said contacting means and between each of said wires and its respective contacting means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
A test system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said support member has a fourth groove surrounded by said elastic tube which facilitates cutting of said elastic tube remote from said medical device and removal of said medical device from said support member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
A test system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said package includes a tray and said tube is glued to said tray.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
A test system in accordance with claim 15 wherein each of said contacting means is made of a biocompatible metal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
A test system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said medical device is a cochlear prosthesis with an electrode array having a plurality of conducting bands therearound, and each of said contacting means contacts at least one conducting band which is not contacted by the other contacting means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4288733A
Cited
US4423732A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-06-10 | 1988-12-10 | 1989-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-10 | 1992-12-10 | 1993-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-10 | 1996-12-10 | 1997-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |