Patent US7212851B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7212851B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microstructured arrays for cortex interaction and related methods of manufacture and use
Assignee: Brown University Research Foundation Inc
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Filing: 2002-10-24
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Granted: 2007-05-01
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Expires: 2022-10-24
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 John Philip Donoghue
- 👤 Nicholas George Hatsopoulos
- 👤 Sylvain Martel
- 👤 Timothy A. Fofonoff
- 👤 Robert J. Dyer
- 👤 Ian W. Hunter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 06:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/685; A61B5/07; A61B5/076; A61B5/24; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/12; A61B2562/125; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of conductors are supported by the nonconductive layer for connection to respective ones of the plurality of electrodes, and wherein the nonconductive layer supports the plurality of electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the nonconductive layer comprises an epoxy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the nonconductive layer comprises glass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the nonconductive layer comprises a flexible material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 5 , wherein the flexible material comprises at least one of polyimide, parylene, and silicone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are arranged in a honeycomb-like hexagonal pattern.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the distances between neighboring electrodes varies.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes increase in length from one side of the array to another side of the array.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrodes have varying lengths.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 11 , wherein a first electrode has a length different that than of its immediately neighboring electrodes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 11 , wherein the lengths of the plurality of electrodes are random.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrodes have varying widths.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 14 , wherein a first electrode has a width different than that of each of its immediately neighboring electrodes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the width of the electrode is enlarged at or near the platform portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes may apply an electrical stimulation signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes may detect an electrical signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
124 words
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.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
124 words
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.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein the detection module further includes: means for determining whether a received neuron electrical signal exceeds a threshold level; and means for detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike when the threshold level is exceeded.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein the electrode is part of an electrode array of a plurality of electrodes, the processing unit further includes: an analog-to-digital converter for converting neuron electrical signals, received from the plurality of electrodes, into digital neuron data and for multiplexing the digital neuron data; and a buffer for storing the digital neuron data after the detection module detects a neuron spike.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
99 words
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.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
99 words
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.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein the step of detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike further includes: determining whether a received neuron electrical signal exceeds a threshold level; and detecting the occurrence of a neuron spike when the threshold level is exceeded.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein the electrode is part of an electrode array of a plurality of electrodes, and wherein the step of receiving the neuron electrical signals from the flexible wiring further includes: converting neuron electrical signals, received from the plurality of electrodes, into digital neuron data and multiplexing the digital neuron data; and storing the digital neuron data after a neuron spike is detected.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 23 , further including: wirelessly transmitting the neuron spike data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-04-30 | 2010-10-30 | 2011-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-04-30 | 2014-10-30 | 2015-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-04-30 | 2018-10-30 | 2019-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |