Hair-grasping EEG electrode, applicator, and method for application
First Claim
1. An EEG electrode for the scalp, comprising:
- a first section formed with a receptacle;
a second section adapted to fit within the receptacle of said first section; and
a locking mechanism for securing said first section and said second section together, capturing hair in between said sections;
an electrical contact section on one or both of said first section or second sections for conducting EEG signals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a hair-grasping EEG electrode and an insertion tool for placement of the electrode on the scalp. The electrode has a novel two-piece clamping design formed of cooperating halves that capture and tension the hair, pulling the electrode snuggly against the scalp before locking together to anchor the electrode in place. The insertion tool allows easy manipulation and fast and consistent installation without need for lengthy user training and practice. Moreover, the insertion tool assumes some of the functionality so that the electrode can be simplified, allowing a smaller footprint and part count, as well as allowing the non-conductive portions of the electrode to be disposable. Dispensing of electrolytic gel is a convenient option to improve the interface, and this may be readily dispensed from the tool, or from reservoirs integral to the electrode. The combination greatly reduces EEG study setup time and technician labor costs.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An EEG electrode for the scalp, comprising:
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a first section formed with a receptacle; a second section adapted to fit within the receptacle of said first section; and a locking mechanism for securing said first section and said second section together, capturing hair in between said sections; an electrical contact section on one or both of said first section or second sections for conducting EEG signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A cartridge for application of successive EEG electrodes to the scalp from a tool, further comprising a plurality of electrolytic gel sacks each attached to a corresponding EEG electrode section by frangible members.
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13. A system for applying an EEG electrode to the scalp, comprising:
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an EEG electrode, including, a first section formed with a receptacle, a second section adapted to fit within the receptacle of said first section, and a locking mechanism for securing said first section and said second section together, capturing hair in between said sections, an electrical contact section on one or both of said first section or second sections for conducting EEG signals; and an insertion tool for positioning said electrode on said scalp, said insertion tool having an actuator for capturing and gathering hair on said scalp between said first and second sections, thereby pulling the electrode snugly against the scalp, followed by locking of said first and second portions together. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for applying an EEG electrode on a scalp, comprising the steps of:
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loading an electrode into an insertion tool, said electrode comprising a first portion and a second portion collectively including a locking mechanism for clamping said first portion against said second portion; and positioning said insertion tool against said scalp; and activating said insertion tool to clamp the first portion and second portion of said electrode together, thereby capturing and tensioning hair on said scalp between said first and second portions, pulling the electrode snugly against the scalp, and locking said first and second portions together.
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Specification