Advanced Bionics Corporation

Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research

Chris J Hetlinger

Michael Allen Faltys

Charles L Byers

James H Wolfe

Kitti McMeel

A microfluidic flow rate sensor includes a droplet within a channel and a droplet movement detector that generates a signal based on the position and/or movement of the droplet within the channel. A processor determines the flow rate of a fluid through the channel based on the signal received from the droplet movement detector. In one example, the droplet movement detector is an optical detector, such as a combination of a lens and an image capturing device. In other examples, the droplet is electrically conductive, and at least a portion of the channel is conductive or includes electrical contacts. The position of the droplet within the channel is determined by observing the electrical characteristics of the channel.

Microfluidic flow rate sensor

A method and apparatus for fitting an auditory stimulation system involve, in one embodiment, coupling a programmer unit to an implanted unit implanted in the patient; prompting and/or assisting the operator to make and enter an objective or other measurement; receiving the objective measurements into the programmer unit; and determining an estimated threshold stimulation current for an electrode channel of the implanted unit as a function of the objective measurement. In another embodiment, the method and apparatus involve coupling a programmer unit to an implanted unit implanted in the patient; stimulating the patient with a speech signal; and displaying, in real time, a graphical representation of the speech signal using the programmer unit.

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Canyon Country, CA, United States of America

Chris J Hetlinger