# US 10,118,044 B2 · Connector block assembly

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- Number: US 10,118,044 B2
- Document ID: US10118044B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/286,663
- Filed: 2016-10-06
- Published: 2017-04-13
- Granted: 2018-11-06
- Earliest claimed: 2015-10-09
- Assignees: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
- Applicants: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
- Inventors: Brian D. Allen; David A. Chizek; James Michael English; Mary M. Byron
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10118044B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/3752: {Details of casing-lead connections}
- A61N 1/3754: {Feedthroughs}
- A61N 1/3956: {Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion}
- H01R 13/502: composed of different pieces (H01R13/514 takes precedence)
- H01R 13/5224: {for medical use}
- A61N 1/362: Heart stimulators (heart defibrillators A61N1/39)
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS

## Abstract

An apparatus including a header mountable to an implantable housing; and an electrically conductive connector block located within the header, wherein the conductive connector block is formed from a substantially non-metallic material.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus comprising:
a header mountable to an implantable housing; and
an electrically conductive connector block located within the header, wherein the conductive connector block is formed from a substantially non-metallic material, wherein the conductive connector block is formed of a non-conductive material with a conductive coating.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, including an electrical contact within the connector block for the purposes of transferring energy from the implantable housing to a lead or an electrode.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connector block completely surrounds the electrical contact.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connector block does not completely enclose the electrical contact.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conductive connector block directly interfaces with a lead or electrode.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector block is formed of two or more parts.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector block is connected to exterior elements through staking, use of a mechanical interlock, direct contact, interference fit, bonding, or incorporating the electrical contact into the molded or print component.

### Claim 8

An apparatus comprising:
an implantable housing holding pulse generator electronics;
a header mounted to the implantable housing; and
a conductive connector block located completely within the header and configured to receive a lead, wherein the conductive connector block is formed from a substantially non-metallic material with the entire outer surface of the conductor block being electrically conductive, the conductive connector block electrically attached to a feedthrough which extends between the header and the implantable housing.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conductive connector block includes a conductive moldable material, a conductive printable material, a conductive extrudable material, or a conductive e-spun material.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the material includes a conductive polymer, silicone, or composite material.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conductive connector block is formed of a non-conductive material with a conductive coating.

### Claim 12 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, including an electrical contact contacting the connector block for the purposes of transferring energy from the implantable to a lead or an electrode.

### Claim 13 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conductive connector block directly interfaces with a lead or electrode.

### Claim 14 (depends on 8)

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connector block is connected to exterior elements through staking, use of a mechanical interlock, direct contact, interference fit, bonding, or incorporating the electrical contact into the molded or print component.

### Claim 15

A method comprising:
placing an electrically conductive connector block into a header of an implantable device such that the connector block is completely within the header, wherein the conductive connector block is formed from a substantially non-metallic material with the entire outer surface of the conductor block being electrically conductive; and
connecting the electrically conductive connector block to a feedthrough.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, a conductive moldable material, a conductive printable material, a conductive extrudable material, or a conductive e-spun material.

### Claim 17 (depends on 15)

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the conductive connector block is formed of a non-conductive material with a conductive coating.