Other

Universal Products, Inc.

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.

Sprague Electric Company

Steven A Rubin

Howard A Fromson

Robert F Gracia

Robert R Tong

Michael J O'Phelan

Luke J Christenson

Lester C Dain

Implantable defibrillators are implanted into the chests of patients prone to suffering ventricular fibrillation, a potentially fatal heart condition. Critical components in these devices are aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which store and deliver one or more life-saving bursts of electric charge to a fibrillating heart. These capacitors make up about one third the total size of the defibrillators. Unfortunately, manufacturers of these capacitors have paid little or no attention to reducing the size of these capacitors through improved capacitor packaging. Accordingly, the inventors devised a unique capacitor lid, or header, assembly that allows size reduction. Specifically, one embodiment of the header assembly includes two recesses, each with a depth that allows the head of a rivet (or other fastener) to be substantially flush, or coplanar, with the underside of the header. Another embodiment includes a single recess to receive two rivet heads. The recesses reduce the vertical space necessary to ensure separation of the rivets from internal components of the capacitor and thus allow reduction in the overall height of the capacitor and size of devices, such as implantable defibrillators, that use them.

Capacitors with recessed rivets allow smaller implantable defibrillators

A substrate is coated with a first material which is soluble in a first solvent, whereupon a second material which is strongly adherent to the first material and insoluble in the first solvent is selectively applied by an ink jet printer. The substrate is then developed in the first solvent to establish the image. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is hydrophilic, the first material is a negative working photosensitive material, and the second material is a transparent adhesive, which permits curing the first material by exposure to actinic light after the development step. The adhesive is then removed. In an embodiment directed to a waterless plate the substrate includes a surface coating of silicone, and the first material is a primer which promotes adhesion of a second material in the form of an oleophilic adhesive which is selectively applied. The primer is then developed to expose the silicone on the non-image areas. The ink carrying image areas are formed by the adhesive, which in this embodiment is not removed.

Imaging a lithographic printing plate

A capacitor cover for closing an open end of a capacitor, including an elastomeric outer layer, a rigid middle layer and a polypropylene inner layer, each with an aperture so as to allow passage of a terminal through the capacitor cover, is described. The inner layer has a peripheral skirt and an annular skirt which extend outwardly sufficiently to prevent electrolyte from the capacitor from coming into contact with the peripheral surface and the annular surface of the rigid middle layer. The capacitor cover can result in the capacitor achieving a temperature tolerance of at least about 105.degree. C. An electrolytic capacitor, including a capacitor body, an electrolyte and a capacitor cover is also described.

Capacitor cover

Waterless lithographic printing plate having a cyanoacrylate image

Method for selectively imaging a lithographic printing plate

A mounting ring is secured in the mouth end of a capacitor casing by being engaged under the rolled-over rim of the fully sealed capacitor.

Capacitor with mounting ring

A mounting spacer (16) for use in an electrolytic capacitor (10) having a capacitance section (14) and a tubular casing (12), which locates and restrains the capacitance section within the casing. The mounting spacer (16) is a flexible plastic sheet which when folded fits inside and bears against the tubular casing (12). The spacer has a base section (34) with at least two living hinges (30, 32); the living hinges connect the base section to wedge sections (40, 42) and support arms (36, 38). The support arms have cutout sections (44,46) formed by the pivoting of wedge sections (40,42) which receive and longitudinally support the capacitance section during assembly of the capacitor. The support arms flex after insertion to partially wrap around and laterally support the capacitance section while maintaining contact with the casing. After assembly, the wedge sections are resiliently held in contact with the tubular casing by the resilient base section (34) to center the spacer. The wedge sections thereby center and provide end support for the capacitance section held in the support arms.

Mounting spacer for electrolytic capacitor

A brush caddy made up of four pieces of wire welded together. The longest piece termed a 'spine' has a hook at the top from which a paint brush may be hung. Centrally a cross piece is welded to the spine to form a pair of arms ending in claws which grip the rim of a paint can. The spine is tilted away from the can so that the brush is more easily grasped and more easily placed on the hook. A third piece of wire forms a 'yoke' which cooperates with the hook and the spine to support the brush in the desired slanting position with the dripping edge over the mouth of the can. The fourth piece of wire is welded across the spine at its base to embrace the can at that end. An elastic member fits over the ends of this fourth piece of wire and around the can, for added stability.

Growing community of inventors

Sharon, MA, United States of America

Steven A Rubin