Abstract: A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. Said prosthesis is designed to function for hours or days without any external components. An externally-activated subcutaneous pressure switch enables the user to adjust the perceived volume by pressing against the skin with a finger. A similar second pressure switch provides a safety “off/on” feature. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. A titanium encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala.

Abstract: A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. An externally-activated subcutaneous switch controls functions of the prosthesis. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. An encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala. Periodic charging of the implanted battery is accomplished via an external mechanically held head-mounted device containing an external coil, said external coil inductively coupling electrical power to an implanted receiving coil. The external and implanted coils can also be used as a communication link to program the implanted electronics.

Abstract: A new surgical method and tools are described for the implantation of electrode arrays into the canalis cochlearis of profoundly deaf persons. Access to the canalis cochlearis is via the bony exterior ear canal and the middle ear, rather than the conventional route of drilling a cleft through the mastoid region posterior to the ear. Preferably entry to the canalis cochlearis is at a tangential angle to the curve of the basal turn. A template is described for landmarking the site for tangentially drilling into the canalis cochlearis comprising a plate shaped to be positioned by reference to the round window of the middle ear and the oval window. A device for holding open the field of view for the surgeon during implantation comprises elongated funnels.

Abstract: A dual prong hearing prosthesis for surgical implantation into both the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli of the inner ear of deaf persons is presented. The prosthesis consists of two prongs each with a plurality of closely spaced electrodes at the proximal end, said electrodes configured to stimulate the auditory nerves of the inner ear at a plurality of sites. One prong carries circumferentially-configured electrodes while the electrodes of the other prong are longitudinally-configured in relation to the length of the prong. Conductor lines from each electrode on both prongs terminate at the distal end in a contact pad arrangement thereby enabling convenient electrical connection between the implant and speech processing electronics. Means are disclosed to minimize kinking of the prongs during implantation, and to enable the electrodes to be in close proximity to the modiolus and basilar membrane thereby allowing for a high degree of versatility in selecting discrete stimulation sites.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring electrical energy to and from living tissue comprises a glove of thin, flexible elastomeric material, which carries electrodes, electrically connected to a connector disposed at the cuff of the glove. The connector permits the electrodes to be electrically connected to a source of electrical energy or to a load, so that electrical energy may be applied to or drawn from living tissue.

Abstract: A stimulator for penile erection comprises a body member which may be inserted into the rectum of a user, the body member being so shaped as to closely conform to the topological configuration of the rectum from the anal area to a site adjacent to the prostate gland. Within the body member is electrical circuitry for generating a neutrally stimulating electrical signal. Electrodes, placed at particular locations on the surface of the body member, apply the signal to the user. At least one of the electrodes closely contacts the prostate gland when the body member is operatively disposed, at a region or spot on the prostate gland previously determined to be sensitive to electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A stimulator for inducing salivation by neural stimulation comprises a housing which may be received in the oral cavity of a user, the housing enclosing electronic signal generating means and electrodes for applying a signal to neurally sensitive areas of the oral cavity to induce salivation. In its method aspect, the invention involves stimulation of salivation by the application of an electrical signal to neurally sensitive areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting nasal secretions by selective neural stimulation applies an electrical signal to a selected neurally sensitive area of the oral cavity. A method for inhibiting nasal secretions includes the steps of applying an electrical signal to a neurally sensitive area in the oral cavity, such as on opposite sides of the frenulum and beneath the philtrum.

Abstract: A stimulator for penile erection comprises a body member which may be inserted into the rectum of a user, the body member being so shaped as to closely conform to the topological configuration of the rectum from the anal area to a site adjacent to the prostate gland. Within the body member is electrical circuitry for generating a neurally stimulating electrical signal. Electrodes, placed at particular locations on the surface of the body member, apply the signal to the user. At least one of the electrodes closely contacts the prostate gland when the body member is operatively disposed, at a region or spot on the prostate gland previously determined to be sensitive to electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A stimulator for inducing salivation by neural stimulation comprises a housing which may be received in the oral cavity of a user, the housing enclosing electronic signal generating means and electrodes for applying a signal to neurally sensitive areas of the oral cavity to induce salivation. In its method aspect, the invention involves stimulation of salivation by the application of an electrical signal to neurally sensitive areas.

Abstract: A glove of thin, flexible elastomeric material carries electrodes, electrically connected to a connector disposed at the cuff of the glove, the connector permitting the electrodes to be electrically connected to a source of electrical energy or to a load, so that electrical energy may be applied to or drawn from living tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasive, quantitative measurement of blood flow rate in a blood vessel includes a transducer array placed on the skin surface above the vessel of interest. The array is formed of transmitting and receiving elements for transmitting and receiving beams of ultrasonic energy. Pulsed ultrasonic energy is transmitted by the array into the body tissue and intercepts the flow in the blood vessel at a slant angle which is determined by electronically steering the transmitted beam, causing it to rotate through a predetermined angular change. The resulting Doppler frequency shifts of the received ultrasonic energy backscattered by moving particles of the blood flow associated with the angular orientation of the transmitted beam can then be measured. Through electronic range gating techniques, the Doppler frequency shifts at the determined slant angle are measured at various depths or ranges below the skin at different positions across the vessel cross-section.