Method and apparatus for providing hermetic electrical feedthrough
US8163397B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24926
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus suitable for forming hermetic electrical feedthroughs in a ceramic sheet having a thickness of .ltoreq.40 mils. More particularly, the method yields an apparatus including a hermetic electrical feedthrough which is both biocompatible and electrochemically stable and suitable for implantation in a patient's body. The method involves: (a) providing an unfired, ceramic sheet having a thickness of .ltoreq.40 mils and preferably comprising .ltoreq.99% aluminum oxide; (b) forming multiple blind holes in said sheet; (c) inserting solid wires, preferably of platinum, in said holes; (d) firing the assembly of sheet and wires to a temperature sufficient to sinter the sheet material but insufficient to melt the wires; and (e) removing sufficient material from the sheet lower surface so that the lower ends of said wires are flush with the finished sheet lower surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.