The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 18, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 03, 1995
Thomas J Winkler, Isanti, MN (US);
John J Grevious, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Mark W Sandberg, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Ray W Gravlin, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing electrical field (E-field) shielding for electro-magnetic devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a programming head from an implantable medical device programming system is housed within a nonconductive exoskeleton. The programming head contains an antenna that is preferably shielded from E-fields but not from magnetic fields (H-fields). A pattern of electrically conductive material, such as a nickel-acrylic paint or the like, is applied to interior surfaces of the exoskeleton, such that at least two (preferably four) distinct and discontinuous areas of conductive material are defined thereon. A collar for providing strain relief for a programming head cable entering through an aperture in the exoskeleton is maintained in electrical contact with each area of conductive material in said exoskeleton. The collar is preferably made of conductive material, and is also coupled to at least one conductor in the programming head cable, such that the conductive areas are coupled to ground via the cable. In other embodiments, both E-shielding and H-shielding may be similarly accomplished by coating the entire inner surface of the exoskeleton.