Apparatus and method to power a medical device using stored mechanical power

A medical device configured to interface with a patient, the medical device comprising:

• a mechanical energy storage device;
• an externally operated mechanical input device operatively coupled to the mechanical energy storage device;
• a generator coupled to the mechanical energy storage device and configured to convert mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device into electrical energy used to power the medical device;
• an electrical charge storage device adapted to store the electrical energy;
• wherein the electrical energy converted by the generator from the mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device and stored in the electrical charge storage device provides the electrical charge for discharging into the patient.

A method for powering a medical device comprising the steps of:

• providing a mechanical energy storage device adapted to be external to a patient, a generator, an electrical energy storage device;
• imparting potential mechanical energy into the mechanical energy storage device adapted to be external to a patient;
• converting the potential mechanical energy of the mechanical energy storage device into electrical energy with the generator;
• storing the electrical energy in the electrical energy storage device;
• and
• powering the medical device using the electrical energy that was converted from the mechanical energy.

A medical device, comprising:

• a power source operable external to a living body and configured to power the medical device, the power source including:
• means for generating mechanical energy adapted to be external to a living body;
• means for storing mechanical energy;
• means for converting the stored mechanical energy to electrical energy;
• means for storing the electrical energy;
• and
• means for controlling the medical device coupled to the means for converting the stored mechanical energy to electrical energy and means for storing the electrical energy;
• wherein the electrical energy converted by the means for converting the stored mechanical energy to electrical energy from the mechanical energy stored in the means for storing mechanical energy and stored in the means for storing electrical energy provides the electrical charge for powering the medical device.