Microstructured arrays for cortex interaction and related methods of manufacture and use
First Claim
1. A brain implant system comprising:
- an electrode configured to be inserted in a brain and for sensing electrical signals generated by brain neurons;
a flexible wiring circuit connected to the electrode and adapted to receive the neuron electrical signals sensed by the electrode; and
a processing unit for receiving the neuron electrical signals from the flexible wiring circuit, wherein the processing unit further includes;
a detection module for detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike in the received neuron electrical signals; and
a transmitter for transmitting data reflecting the occurrence of each detected neuron spike;
wherein the electrode is a part of an electrode array, the electrode array comprising;
a nonconductive layer of the flexible wiring circuit;
an array of electrodes, each electrode having a base section and a tip section, wherein the base section of each electrode is inserted into the nonconductive layer, such that the electrodes are held together by the nonconductive layer; and
an electrical connection located on the base section of each electrode to communicate with the respective electrode;
wherein the nonconductive layer rests on a platform portion of each electrode after the base section of each electrode is inserted into the nonconductive layer.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A brain implant system consistent with embodiments of the present invention includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes for sensing neuron signals. A method for manufacturing the electrode array includes machining a piece of an electrically conductive substance to create a plurality of electrodes extending from a base member. Each electrode also has a corresponding base section. A nonconductive layer is provided around at least a portion of the base section of each electrode to support the plurality of electrodes. The base section of the electrodes are then cut to separate the base member from the plurality of electrodes supported by the nonconductive support layer. The present invention also includes a complete brain implant system using the above electrode array.
-
Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A brain implant system comprising:
-
an electrode configured to be inserted in a brain and for sensing electrical signals generated by brain neurons; a flexible wiring circuit connected to the electrode and adapted to receive the neuron electrical signals sensed by the electrode; and a processing unit for receiving the neuron electrical signals from the flexible wiring circuit, wherein the processing unit further includes; a detection module for detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike in the received neuron electrical signals; and a transmitter for transmitting data reflecting the occurrence of each detected neuron spike; wherein the electrode is a part of an electrode array, the electrode array comprising; a nonconductive layer of the flexible wiring circuit; an array of electrodes, each electrode having a base section and a tip section, wherein the base section of each electrode is inserted into the nonconductive layer, such that the electrodes are held together by the nonconductive layer; and an electrical connection located on the base section of each electrode to communicate with the respective electrode; wherein the nonconductive layer rests on a platform portion of each electrode after the base section of each electrode is inserted into the nonconductive layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A brain implant system comprising:
-
an electrode configured to be inserted in a brain and for sensing electrical signals generated by brain neurons; a flexible wiring circuit connected to the electrode and adapted to receive the neuron electrical signals sensed by the electrode; a processing unit for receiving the neuron electrical signals from the flexible wiring circuit, wherein the processing unit further includes; a detection module for detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike in the received neuron electrical signals; and a transmitter for transmitting data reflecting the occurrence of each detected neuron spike; and a buffer for storing digital neuron data before the detection module detects a neuron spike, and wherein contents of the buffer are overwritten when a spike is not detected. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A method for operating a brain implant system, comprising:
-
providing an electrode configured to be inserted in a brain and for sensing electrical signals generated by brain neurons; receiving the neuron electrical signals sensed by the electrode over a flexible wiring; receiving the neuron electrical signals from the flexible wiring and detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike in the received neuron electrical signals; transmitting data reflecting the occurrence of each detected neuron spike; storing digital neuron data in a buffer before the neuron spike is detected; and overwriting contents of the buffer when a spike is not detected. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
-
Specification