Pacesetter, Inc.

David E Mueller

Stephen M Jones

Arthur A Campbell

Jerlye L Walter

A method is presented of welding an electrically conductive termination component having first and second opposed surfaces to an electrically conductive elongate member extending to a terminal end. The method comprises the steps of forming a substantially circular aperture through the termination component and defined by a rim having a diameter substantially equivalent to the transverse dimension of the elongate member. The terminal end of the elongate member is positioned proximate the termination component overlying the rim of the aperture such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is generally coplanar with the center of the aperture. Then, a laser beam is directed transversely of the termination component through the aperture therein toward and onto the elongate member to simultaneously melt the elongate member and the termination component in the region of the aperture and create a mixture of the molten material of both the elongate member and the termination component within the aperture. Upon the cessation of operation of the laser beam, the mixture of the molten material solidifies within the aperture and between the termination component and the elongate member to thereby achieve a welded connection between the elongate member and the termination component. In a preferred embodiment, a ball member is formed at an end of the elongate member and the rim of the aperture in the termination component has a diameter smaller than that of the ball member and the ball member is positioned in engagement with the rim of the aperture.

Laser-welded ball-and-socket connection

A multi-conductor lead having a lead body including at least two conductors and at least one electrode at a distal end for delivering an electrical stimulus, the multi-conductor lead also including a connector assembly at a proximal end, the connector assembly including a pair of electrical contacts each connected to one of the two conductors of the multi-conductor lead and a rigid insulator interlocking and electrically separating the pair of electrical contacts.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Clarita, CA, United States of America

David E Mueller