Apparatus, systems and methods for receiving signals from a human subject's brain

• US 9,854,988 B2
• Filed: 05/24/2016
• Issued: 01/02/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: WAVi Co.
• Original Assignee: WAVi Co.
• Inventors: Oakley, David, Altshuler, Edward, Seamans, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cardinal, Erin M
• Application Number:
  US15/163,292
• Publication Number:
  US 20160354005A1
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 600383, 600544-545
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/683 Means for maintaining contact with the body A61B5/6802 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6843 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for use in connection with receiving signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof includes a removable headset having a plurality of electrode stations and intermediate portions. Each electrode station includes an electrode aperture extending therethrough and a biasing flap coupled to the headset and at least partially aligned over the associated electrode aperture. A plurality of removable electrodes is releasably engageable with the headset and configured to be releasably suspended within the electrode apertures and biased between the headset and the subject'"'"'s head by the associated biasing flaps.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset and, said headset further including a plurality of non-conductive biasing flaps, each said biasing flap being coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals;

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end and at least one side extending therebetween, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased between said headset and the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap; and

a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset,

wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each said electrode cover includes a side surface and a bottom end that is electrically-conductive to said side surface, wherein said bottom end of each said electrode cover is arranged and adapted to electrically-conductively engage the subject'"'"'s head to receive EEG signals therefrom and said side surface of each said electrode cover is arranged and adapted to slideably, conductively engage said associated electrically-conductive ring to transmit the EEG signals received from the subject'"'"'s head to said electrically-conductive ring during use of said headset.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode cover includes a bottom end, said bottom end of each said electrode cover being configured to be scraped against and exfoliate the subject'"'"'s scalp during use of said headset.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode cover is constructed at least partially of at least one among the group consisting of natural fabric, natural fibers, synthetic fabric, synthetic fibers and exfoliating material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode cover is constructed and configured to provide sufficient surface contact with the subject'"'"'s scalp during use of the headset to receive acceptable EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode cover is configured to contact the subject'"'"'s head at a contact interface during use of said headset, further wherein said intermediate portions of said headset and said open spaces therebetween are arranged and adapted to allow said contact interfaces to be viewable by the naked eye during use of said headset.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said intermediate portions of said headset are configured to flex to assist in conforming said headset to the shape of the subject'"'"'s head and allow said contact interfaces to be viewable by the naked eye during use of said headset.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode is a unitary member entirely encapsulated by its said associated electrode cover to form an electrode-cover combination, further wherein each said electrode-cover combination is disposable.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrically-conductive liquid includes at least one among the group consisting of hair conditioner and optical contact lens solution.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate portions of said headset are constructed at least partially of at least one among the group consisting of rubber, foam rubber, silicon, closed-cell resin material, closed-cell copolymer material, biostatic material and antimicrobial material.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least some of said intermediate portions of said headset include at least one flex point formed therein to assist in conforming said headset to the shape of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said biasing flap is constructed at least partially of resilient material, further including first and second flap fasteners associated with each said biasing flap and adapted to releasably secure said associated biasing flap to said headset on opposite sides of said associated electrode aperture.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode includes at least one protrusion extending outwardly from at least one said side of said associated electrode, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said electrode relative to said associated electrode aperture.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each said electrode has a cylindrical shape, further wherein said at least one protrusion comprises a circular ridge extending at least partially around the outer circumference of said associated electrode, further wherein said electrode cover is configured to conform to the shape of said at least one protrusion of said associated electrode.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 further including an electrode retention ring disposed within at least one among the group consisting of said electrode aperture and said biasing flap associated with each said electrode station, each said electrode retention ring having an upper edge facing said outer side of said headset and a lower edge facing said inner side of said headset.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein each said biasing flap includes a flap hole at least partially aligned over said associated electrode aperture, further wherein each said associated electrode retention ring is disposed within said flap hole of said associated biasing flap, further wherein each said electrode retention ring includes at least one groove configured to selectively retain said at least one protrusion of said associated electrode, whereby when said at least one protrusion is selectively secured in said groove of said associated biasing flap, said electrode is configured to be moveable with said biasing flap relative to said electrode aperture and the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further including a plurality of electrically-conductive rings, one of said electrically-conductive rings being disposed within each said electrode aperture, each said electrically-conductive ring being electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from said associated electrode cover to said at least one EEG signal transmission wire.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein each said biasing flap is coupled to said outer side of said headset over said associated electrode aperture and configured to abut and apply biasing forces to said top end of said associated electrode.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein one of said electrode retention rings is disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material, electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset and wherein during use of said headset, each said electrode retention ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said upper edge of said retention ring than said lower edge of said retention ring, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said lower edge of said retention ring than said upper edge of said retention ring.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein each said electrode is configured to be moveable within a distinct range of said retracted positions and a distinct range of said extended positions.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said biasing flap includes a flap hole at least partially aligned over said associated electrode aperture, further wherein each said electrode is sized and configured to be releasably engaged with said headset by insertion into one of said flap holes and said associated electrode aperture from said outer side of said headset and removed from said headset by being moved through said associated flap hole and said associated electrode aperture in the direction of said inner side of said headset.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said electrode is sized and configured to be releasably engaged with said headset by insertion into one of said electrode apertures from said inner side of said headset and removed from said headset by being moved through said associated electrode aperture in the direction of said inner side of said headset.

24. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes along with their associated electrically-conductive, liquid laden, electrode covers within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head;

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset; and

at least some of the electrode covers receiving useful signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmitting the received signals to at least one EEG signal transmission wire in the headset.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein each electrode is moveable between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, the top end of each electrode in an extended position being closer to the outer side of the headset than the position of the top end of the electrode relative to the outer side of the headset in a retracted position, further including

selectively, independently positioning each electrode in at least one retracted position, and

if any of the respective electrode covers is not receiving useful signals from the subject'"'"'s head, selectively, independently moving each such electrode from at least one retracted position to at least one extended position.

26. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset, said headset further including a plurality of non-conductive biasing flaps, each said biasing flap being coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals; and

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end, at least one side extending therebetween and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from said at least one side, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said associated electrode relative to said associated electrode aperture, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased towards the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein each said biasing flap includes a flap hole at least partially aligned over said associated electrode aperture, further wherein each said flap hole includes at least one groove configured to selectively retain said at least one protrusion of said associated electrode, whereby when said at least one protrusion is selectively secured in said groove of said associated biasing flap, said electrode is configured to be moveable with said biasing flap relative to said electrode aperture during use of said headset.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein each said electrode is sized and configured to be releasably engaged with said headset by insertion into one of said flap holes and said associated electrode aperture from said outer side of said headset and removed from said headset by being moved through said associated flap hole and said associated electrode aperture in the direction of said inner side of said headset.

29. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein each said biasing flap is coupled to said outer side of said headset over said associated electrode aperture and configured to abut and apply biasing forces to said top end of said associated electrode, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said outer side of said headset than said inner side of said headset, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said inner side of said headset than said outer side of said headset.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein each said electrode is configured to be moveable within a distinct range of said retracted positions and a distinct range of said extended positions.

31. The apparatus of claim 26 further including an electrode retention ring disposed within at least one among the group consisting of said electrode aperture and said biasing flap associated with each said electrode station, each said electrode retention ring having an upper edge facing said outer side of said headset and a lower edge facing said inner side of said headset, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said upper edge of said retention ring than said lower edge of said retention ring, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said lower edge of said retention ring than said upper edge of said retention ring.

32. The apparatus of claim 26 further including a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset, wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein each said electrode has a cylindrical shape, further wherein said at least one protrusion comprises a circular ridge extending at least partially around the outer circumference of said associated electrode, further wherein said electrode cover is configured to conform to the shape of said at least one protrusion of said associated electrode.

35. A method of using the apparatus of claim 26, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head; and

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset.

36. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset, said headset further including a plurality of biasing flaps, each said biasing flap being coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals; and

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end, at least one side extending therebetween and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from said at least one side, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said associated electrode relative to said associated electrode aperture, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased towards the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap, further wherein each said biasing flap includes a flap hole at least partially aligned over said associated electrode aperture, each said flap hole including at least one groove configured to selectively retain at least one said protrusion of said associated electrode,

whereby when at least one protrusion is selectively secured in said groove of said associated biasing flap, said electrode is configured to be moveable with said biasing flap relative to said electrode aperture during use of said headset.

37. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset, said headset further including a plurality of biasing flaps, each said biasing flap being directly coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals;

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end and at least one side extending therebetween, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased between said headset and the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap; and

a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset, wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each said electrode is a unitary member entirely encapsulated by its said associated electrode cover to form an electrode-cover combination, further wherein each said electrode-cover combination is disposable.

40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each said electrode includes at least one protrusion extending outwardly from at least one said side of said associated electrode, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said electrode relative to at least one among the group consisting of said associated electrode aperture and the subject'"'"'s head.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 further including an electrode retention ring disposed within at least one among the group consisting of said electrode aperture and said biasing flap associated with each said electrode station, said electrode retention ring having an upper edge facing said outer side of said headset and a lower edge facing said inner side of said headset, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said upper edge of said retention ring than said lower edge of said retention ring, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said lower edge of said retention ring than said upper edge of said retention ring.

42. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each said biasing flap is coupled to said outer side of said headset over said associated electrode aperture and configured to abut and apply biasing forces to said top end of said associated electrode.

43. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, the top end of each said electrode in at least one said extended position being closer to said outer side of said headset than the position of said top end of said electrode relative to said outer side of said headset in said retracted position.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein each said electrode is configured to be moveable within a distinct range of said retracted positions and a distinct range of said extended positions.

45. A method of using the apparatus of claim 37, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes along with their associated electrically-conductive, liquid laden, electrode covers within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head;

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset; and

at least some of the electrode covers receiving useful signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmitting the received signals to at least one EEG signal transmission wire in the headset.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein each electrode is moveable between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, the top end of each electrode in an extended position being closer to the outer side of the headset than the position of the top end of the electrode relative to the outer side of the headset in a retracted position, further including

selectively, independently positioning each electrode in at least one retracted position, and

if any of the respective electrode covers is not receiving useful signals from the subject'"'"'s head, selectively, independently moving each such electrode from at least one retracted position to at least one extended position.

47. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset,

said headset further including a plurality of biasing flaps and at least first and second flap fasteners associated with each said biasing flap, each said biasing flap being coupled to said-headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said at least first and second flap fasteners being adapted to secure said associated biasing flap to said headset on opposite sides of said associated electrode aperture,

said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals;

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end and at least one side extending therebetween, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased between said headset and the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap; and

a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset, wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

48. The apparatus of claim 47 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

49. A method of using the apparatus of claim 47, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes along with their associated electrically-conductive, liquid laden, electrode covers within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head;

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset; and

at least some of the electrode covers receiving useful signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmitting the received signals to at least one EEG signal transmission wire in the headset.

50. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset, said headset further including a plurality of biasing flaps, each said biasing flap being directly coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures, said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals; and

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end, at least one side extending therebetween and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from said at least one side, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said associated electrode relative to said associated electrode aperture, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased towards the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 further including an electrode retention ring disposed within at least one among the group consisting of said electrode aperture and said biasing flap associated with each said electrode station, each said electrode retention ring having an upper edge facing said outer side of said headset and a lower edge facing said inner side of said headset, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said upper edge of said retention ring than said lower edge of said retention ring, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said lower edge of said retention ring than said upper edge of said retention ring.

52. The apparatus of claim 50 further including a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset, wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

53. The apparatus of claim 52 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

54. A method of using the apparatus of claim 50, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head; and

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset.

55. Apparatus for use in connection with receiving electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from a human subject'"'"'s head through the scalp thereof, the apparatus comprising:

a removable headset arranged and adapted to extend at least partially around the subject'"'"'s head over at least part of the subject'"'"'s scalp, said headset including an inner side and an outer side, said inner side being closest to the subject'"'"'s scalp when said headset is positioned least partially around the subject'"'"'s head,

said headset further including a plurality of electrode stations and a plurality of intermediate portions extending between said electrode stations and shaped and sized to form open spaces therebetween, each said electrode station having an electrode aperture extending therethrough from said outer side to said inner side of said headset,

said headset further including a plurality of biasing flaps and at least first and second flap fasteners associated with each said biasing flap, each said biasing flap being coupled to said headset and at least partially aligned over one of said electrode apertures,

said at least first and second flap fasteners being adapted to secure said associated biasing flap to said headset on opposite sides of said associated electrode aperture,

said headset further including at least one EEG signal transmission wire associated with said electrode stations for receiving EEG signals; and

a plurality of removable electrodes releasably engageable with said headset and useful to facilitate the transmission of EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode including a top end, bottom end, at least one side extending therebetween and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from said at least one side, said protrusion being arranged and adapted to selectively position said associated electrode relative to said associated electrode aperture, wherein each said electrode is configured to be releasably suspended within one of said electrode apertures and biased towards the subject'"'"'s head by said associated biasing flap.

56. The apparatus of claim 55 further including an electrode retention ring disposed within at least one among the group consisting of said electrode aperture and said biasing flap associated with each said electrode station, each said electrode retention ring having an upper edge facing said outer side of said headset and a lower edge facing said inner side of said headset, further wherein each said electrode is movable relative to said headset between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, each said electrode in said retracted and extended positions being biased by said associated biasing flap in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head during use of said headset, wherein when any said electrode is in at least one said retracted position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said upper edge of said retention ring than said lower edge of said retention ring, and when any said electrode is in said at least one extended position, said at least one protrusion of said electrode is positioned closer to said lower edge of said retention ring than said upper edge of said retention ring.

57. The apparatus of claim 55 further including a plurality of electrode covers constructed at least partially of flexible, liquid-absorbing material and arranged and adapted to be electrically-conductive, receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head and transmit such signals to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset during use of said headset, each said electrode cover at least partially encapsulating one said electrode and being laden with electrically-conductive liquid during use of said headset, wherein said each biasing flap is configured to bias said associated electrode cover into contact with the subject'"'"'s head to allow said associated cover to receive EEG signals from the subject'"'"'s head.

58. The apparatus of claim 57 further including an electrically-conductive ring disposed within each said electrode aperture, constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and electrically coupled to at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset, wherein during use of said headset, each said electrically-conductive ring is arranged and adapted to receive EEG signals from said associated electrode cover and transmit such signals to said at least one said EEG signal transmission wire of said headset.

59. A method of using the apparatus of claim 55, the method comprising:

releasably suspending the plurality of electrodes within the respective associated electrode apertures in the headset;

placing the headset on the subject'"'"'s head; and

at least some of the biasing flaps biasing their associated electrodes in the direction of the subject'"'"'s head independent of the other electrodes in the headset.