Method of making an incontinence electrode
First Claim
1. A method of making an electrode, the method comprising:
- molding bands of conductive polymer such that each band of conductive polymer includes an interior surface and an exterior surface;
spacing four of the conductive polymer bands to achieve a spacing between each of the four bands in the range of 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch;
molding nonconductive polymer between the spaced conductive bands to form a resilient hollow cylindrical electrode body having a first end and a second end;
connecting the conductive polymer bands to electrical leads; and
sealing the first end and the second end of the electrode body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.
57 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of making an electrode, the method comprising:
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molding bands of conductive polymer such that each band of conductive polymer includes an interior surface and an exterior surface; spacing four of the conductive polymer bands to achieve a spacing between each of the four bands in the range of 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch; molding nonconductive polymer between the spaced conductive bands to form a resilient hollow cylindrical electrode body having a first end and a second end; connecting the conductive polymer bands to electrical leads; and sealing the first end and the second end of the electrode body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification