STRIATE CORTEX STIMULATOR
First Claim
1. An implantable device comprising a plurality of electrodes for stimulating the striate cortex, a matrix of normally closed gates connected in one-to-one relationship with said electrodes, and a plurality of radio receivers tuned to predetermined frequencies and constituting at least two distinctive sets, each gate being connected for switching to an open state to energize the respective one of said electrodes by a unique group of at least two of said receivers from respectively different sets thereof.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable neurological prosthetic device comprises a plurality of electrodes for stimulating the striate cortex, a matrix of normally closed gates connected in one-to-one relationship with said electrodes, and a plurality of radio receivers tuned to predetermined frequencies and constituting at least two distinctive sets, each gate being connected for switching to an open state to energize the respective one of said electrodes by a unique group of at least two of said receivers from respectively different sets thereof. The receivers are themselves energizable by externally located respective transmitters conveniently positioned by a technique in which the transmitter tuned circuit is included as one arm in a bridge circuit balanced for maximum absorption by the respective receiver tuned circuit. This technique is more generally applicable to any implant provided with a tuned circuit.
100 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An implantable device comprising a plurality of electrodes for stimulating the striate cortex, a matrix of normally closed gates connected in one-to-one relationship with said electrodes, and a plurality of radio receivers tuned to predetermined frequencies and constituting at least two distinctive sets, each gate being connected for switching to an open state to energize the respective one of said electrodes by a unique group of at least two of said receivers from respectively different sets thereof.
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2. A device according to claim 1 wherein adjacent receivers in at least one set thereof are tuned to respectively different frequencies.
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3. A device according to claim 1 wherein each of said gates comprises a semi-conductor switching device connected in the common emitter configuration.
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4. A device according to claim 1 in combination with a plurality of radio transmitters respectively associated with and tuned to common frequencies with said receivers in a one-to-one relationship, at least one set of said transmitters being energizable at a predetermined constant level, and the transmitters of at least one other set thereof being energizable at adjustable power levels.
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5. A device according to claim 1, in combination with a bridge circuit having a tuned circuit in one arm thereof adapted to match that of one of said receivers, and means for indicating the degree of balance of said bridge circuit.
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6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said gates and said receivers are encapsulated in an anatomically shaped mold of silicone rubber.
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7. In combination, an implantable device including a plurality of electrodes for stimulating the striate cortex, a matrix of normally closed gates connected in one-to-one relationship with said electrodes, and a plurality of radio receivers tuned to predetermined frequencies and constituting at least two distinctive sets, each gate being connected for switching to an open state to energize the respective one of said electrodes by a unique group of at least two of said receivers from respectively different sets thereof, and an exterior mounted device including a plurality of radio transmitters respectively associated with and tuned to common frequencies with said receivers in a one-to-one relationship, at least one set of said transmitters being energizable at a predetermined constant level, and the transmitters of at least one other set thereof being energizable at adjustable power levels, and means for mounting said exterior device on a body adjacent said implantable device.
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8. In combination, an implantable device comprising a plurality of electrodes for stimulating the striate cortex, a matrix of normally closed gates connected in one-to-one relationship with said electrodes, a plurality of radio receivers tuned to predetermined frequencies and constituting at least two distinctive sets, means for energizing said received each gate being connected for switching to an open state to energize the respective one of said electrodes by a unique group of at least two of said receivers from respectively different sets thereof, and an exterior device including a bridge circuit having a tuned circuit in one arm thereof for matching one of said receivers, and means for indicating the degree of balance of said bridge circuit.
Specification