Abstract: In electrically stimulating neural tissue it is important to prevent over stimulation and unbalanced stimulation which would cause damage to the neural tissue, the electrode, or both. It is critical that neural tissue is not subjected to any direct current or alternating current above a safe threshold. Further, it is important to identify defective electrodes as continued use may result in neural damage and further electrode damage. The present invention presents system and stimulator control mechanisms to prevent damage to neural tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a depth sensing visual prosthesis. By depth sensing objects within an image, items located at a certain depths from the user can be removed to declutter an image. The resulting image presents only objects within a range of depth from the visual prosthesis user. Depth sensing can be accomplished in various ways including structured light, time of flight, or preferably, a stereo camera pair.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal implant device to stimulate a retina of an eye thereby producing a specific effect in the eye, such as a vision or drug treatment of a chronic condition. The retinal device is made of a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally and that contains a multitude of stimulation sites that are in contact with the retina. A connection carries a stimulating electrical signal or a drug. The connection passes transretinally through the retina and into a vitreous cavity of the eye, thereby minimizing damage to a nutrient-rich choroid. A lead is attached to a source of drugs or electrical energy, which is located outside the eye. The lead passes through a sclera at a point near a front of the eye to avoid damage to the retina.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the stimulation of neural tissue which includes a neural stimulator, an input device for providing input to the neural stimulator for neural stimulation, at least one electrode electrically connected to and driven by the neural stimulator and suitable to stimulate neural tissue, a device capable of determining a charge per phase by calculating a discrete integral of the wave form of the input for the at least one electrode, a calculating device for comparing the charge per phase to a predetermined maximum and determining a reduced stimulation for the at least one electrode by the amount necessary not to exceed the predetermined maximum for the at least one electrode, and a current pulse generator for stimulating the neural tissue according to the reduced stimulation level.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array for neural stimulation including a polymer base layer, a metal trace layer on the polymer base layer, and a polymer top layer on the metal traces layer, where the metal trace layer forms at least one electrode made of multiple smaller common electrodes connected by electrical traces.

Abstract: The present invention is wireless visual prosthesis with a remote driver for the external coils this, among other things, provides for a magnetic resonance image (MRI) safe visual prosthesis. fMRI is an effective tool for analyzing cortical responses to neural stimulation, such as from a visual prosthesis. However, the external electronics of a visual prosthesis cannot operate in a MRI field. The present invention provides a radio frequency shielded link between a video processing unit, driver circuitry and the coils used for communicating with the implantable portion of the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that sends and receives data or signals, and optionally power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to at least one package and processes the data, including recordings of neural activity, and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that are attached to the at least one package. The device is adapted to electrocorticographic (ECoG) and local field potential (LFP) signals. A brain stimulator, preferably a deep brain stimulator, stimulates the brain in response to neural recordings in a closed feedback loop. The device is advantageous in providing neuromodulation therapies for neurological disorders such as chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, or similar disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved hermetic package for a retinal prosthesis implanted in the human body. The retinal prosthesis includes a flexible circuit electrode array suitable to stimulate the retina while connected to a hermetic package on the outside of the eye, the hermetic package including a cover and a base where the cover is bonded to the base such that the cover and base form the hermetic package.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a biocompatible hermetic housing including electrical feedthroughs, the method comprises providing a ceramic sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, forming at least one via hole in said ceramic sheet extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, inserting a conductive thick film paste into said via hole, laminating the ceramic sheet with paste filled via hole between an upper ceramic sheet and a lower ceramic sheet to form a laminated ceramic substrate, firing the laminated ceramic substrate to a temperature to sinter the laminated ceramic substrate and cause the paste filled via hole to form metalized via and cause the laminated ceramic substrate to form a hermetic seal around said metalized via, and removing the upper ceramic sheet and the lower ceramic sheet material from the fired laminated ceramic substrate to expose an upper and a lower surface of the metalized via.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless transmission system for a prosthetic apparatus including a mounting system to be worn on a body, a wound wire transmission coil mounted to the mounting system and sending a stimulation signal, an implantable receiving coil receiving the stimulation signal and connected to a hermetic electronics package, an implantable telemetry transmitting coil connected to the hermetic electronics package, and a telemetry receiving coil printed on a printed circuit board, mounted to the mounting system and receiving the telemetry signal.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed. Electrodes are arranged in such a way so that electrical traces overlap other electrical traces in a separate layer without X shaped crossing, while overlapping to a degree sufficient to prevent dielectric breakdown of the insulating, separating layer.

Abstract: In electrically stimulating neural tissue it is important to prevent over stimulation and unbalanced stimulation which would cause damage to the neural tissue, the electrode, or both. It is critical that neural tissue in not subjected to any direct current or alternating current above a safe threshold. Further, it is important to identify defective electrodes as continued use may result in neural and further electrode damage. The present invention presents system and stimulator control mechanisms to prevent damage to neural tissue.

Abstract: This invention is a retinal electrode array assembly and methods of using the same that facilitate surgical implant procedures by providing the operating surgeon with visual references and grasping means and with innovations that reduce actual and potential damage to the retina and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An improved platinum and method for manufacturing the improved platinum wherein the platinum having a fractal surface coating of platinum, platinum gray, with a increase in surface area of at least 5 times when compared to shiny platinum of the same geometry and also having improved resistance to physical stress when compared to platinum black having the same surface area. The process of electroplating the surface coating of platinum gray comprising plating at a moderate rate, for example at a rate that is faster than the rate necessary to produce shiny platinum and that is less than the rate necessary to produce platinum black. Platinum gray is applied to manufacture a fuel cell and a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. Fitting a visual prosthesis through automated means is challenging and fitting a visual prosthesis manually is tedious for clinician and patent, and provides great opportunity for error. A hybrid of computer controlled and manual fitting provides effective, efficient and controlled fitting process. The process includes testing a group of electrodes in random order by providing a prompt followed by stimulation and the patient responding if they saw a percept. After each set, a maximum likelihood algorithm is used to determine the next stimulation level, or if further stimulation is needed for each electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. These test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with a hermetic electronics package that houses electronics. The hermetic package is attached to a flexible circuit electrode array having its electrodes arranged in a trapezoidal electrode array field that is suitable to stimulate the visual cortex. The hermetic electronics package is provided with a fixation structure that secures, protects and dissipates heat from the electronics package. The entire implantable device can be entirely implanted within the head.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and at least one support embedded in said array. The disclosure further relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a folded flexible circuit cable connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad.