Method and apparatus for conducting brain function diagnostic test

• US 4,683,892 A
• Filed: 07/17/1986
• Issued: 08/04/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HZI Research Center Incorporated
• Original Assignee: HZI Research Center Incorporated
• Inventors: Itil, Turan M., Johansson, Nils E., Eralp, Emin
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Kyle L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Citrin, Randy
• Application Number:
  US06/886,416
• Time in Patent Office: 383 Days
• Field of Search: 128/639, 128/644, 128/731, 128/783, 128/791
• US Class Current: 600/383
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0217 Electrolyte containing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/324 Means for providing electrolytes, e.g. syringes

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for use in conducting an electroencephalographic (EEG) test where the apparatus includes a headset suitable for placement on the head of a subject to be tested. A plurality of electrodes are mounted on the headset at pre-determined positions about the headset. The electrodes are preferably mounted to the headset by the use of a resilient material, preferably a resilient wire or plastic mesh which is bonded to both the electrode assembly and to the headset.

Each of the electrode assemblies include a separate air cylinder for displacing the electrode in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head upon the application of additional air pressure into the cylinder. A bellows arrangement is provided within each air cylinder for effecting displacement of the electrode.

Means are further provided for dispensing a predetermined amount of an electrolytic material from an external source of electrolyte, through the electrode, to the point of contact between the electrode and the subject'"'"'s head.

Claims

1. An electrode retaining assembly comprising:

a fluid pressure operated reciprocating bellows device having a central opening adapted to receive and hold an electrode therein;

means for retaining the bellows device on a subject'"'"'s head;

an elongated electrode having a tapered tip for electrically contacting the head of a subject undergoing an EEG test, said elongated electrode being mounted in the central opening of said bellows device;

means for applying fluid pressure to the bellows device to thereby displace the electrode in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head; and

means for reducing the amount of fluid pressure applied to the bellows device whereby the electrodes are retracted away from the subject'"'"'s head.

2. The electrode retaining assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for applying fluid pressure comprises means for applying air pressure.

3. the electrode retaining assembly of claim 2 wherein said means for applying fluid pressure comprises means for introducing compressed air into a cylinder which contains said bellows.

4. A method of conducting an electroencephalographic (EEG) test, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a headset suitable for placement on the head of a subject being EEG tested, said headset including;

a plurality of electrodes mounted at pre-determined locations about said headset;

an air cylinder which is provided in conjunction with each of said electrodes;

means for displacing the electrodes in a direction toward the head of the subject and for holding the displaced electrodes in physical and electrical contact with the head of the subject by the introduction of air pressure into said air cylinder; and

means for dispensing pre-determined amounts of an electrically conductive material between said electrode and the head of the subject;

placing said headset on the subject being tested;

displacing said electrodes in a direction toward the head of the subject;

dispensing said pre-determined amounts of an electrically conductive material between said electrode and the head of the subject; and

monitoring the electrical charges generated by the subject.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said electrically conductive material is dispensed through said electrode from an external source of electrolyte.