Flexible circuit electrode array for improved layer adhesion
First Claim
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1. A flexible circuit electrode array adapted to be used with a visual prosthesis, comprising:
- a) an insulating polymer layer comprising a top polymer portion and a bottom polymer portion;
b) at least one trace containing a base conducting layer, an intermediate conducting layer and a top conducting layer, embedded in said insulating polymer layer between said top polymer portion and said bottom polymer portion; and
c) at least one electrode connected to said at least one trace through a via in said top polymer portion of said insulating polymer layer, wherein said electrode includes a first electrode portion contacting said trace through said via and a second electrode portion overlapping said trace above said top polymer portion, and wherein a region of said top polymer portion is defined between said trace and said second electrode portion, wherein the first electrode portion is a central electrode portion contacting a corresponding central portion of the trace and the second electrode portion is a peripheral annular-shaped portion overlapping a corresponding peripheral annular-shaped of the trace above said top polymer portion.
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Abstract
Present invention is a method of improving circadian rhythms in blind people by stimulation the visual neural system. Ideally a retinal prosthesis of the type used to restore vision can be used to restore normal circadian rhythms. Additionally, brightness on the prosthesis can be increased in the morning and decreased in the evening to stimulate normal Circadian rhythms. Alternatively, if a retinal prosthesis is not preferable, the retina can be stimulated externally, during the day and not at night. While such eternal stimulation can not produced artificial vision, it can stimulate normal circadian rhythms.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A flexible circuit electrode array adapted to be used with a visual prosthesis, comprising:
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a) an insulating polymer layer comprising a top polymer portion and a bottom polymer portion; b) at least one trace containing a base conducting layer, an intermediate conducting layer and a top conducting layer, embedded in said insulating polymer layer between said top polymer portion and said bottom polymer portion; and c) at least one electrode connected to said at least one trace through a via in said top polymer portion of said insulating polymer layer, wherein said electrode includes a first electrode portion contacting said trace through said via and a second electrode portion overlapping said trace above said top polymer portion, and wherein a region of said top polymer portion is defined between said trace and said second electrode portion, wherein the first electrode portion is a central electrode portion contacting a corresponding central portion of the trace and the second electrode portion is a peripheral annular-shaped portion overlapping a corresponding peripheral annular-shaped of the trace above said top polymer portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A flexible circuit electrode array adapted to be used with a visual prosthesis, comprising:
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a) an insulating polymer layer comprising a top polymer portion and a bottom polymer portion; b) at least one trace containing a base conducting layer, an intermediate conducting layer and a top conducting layer, embedded in said insulating polymer layer between said top polymer portion and said bottom polymer portion; and c) at least one electrode connected to said at least one trace through a via in said top polymer portion of said insulating polymer layer, wherein said electrode includes a first electrode portion contacting said trace through said via and a second electrode portion overlapping said trace above said top polymer portion, and wherein a region of said top polymer portion is defined between said trace and said second electrode portion, wherein the trace includes a plate-shaped trace portion, and wherein the first electrode portion is a central portion contacting a central portion of the plate-shaped trace portion, and the second electrode portion is a perimeter portion overlapping a perimeter portion of the plate-shaped trace portion above said top polymer portion, the perimeter portion of the plate-shaped trace portion defining a closed line portion around the central portion of the plate-shaped trace portion. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification