Abstract: An electrode for activating pelvic reflexes in a patient is made of a molded elongated tubular member and a patient conforming handle member. The tubular member has a plurality of conductive polymer bands separated by at least one nonconductive polymer band. The patient conforming handle member connects to the distal end of the tubular member for properly positioning the electrode and for preventing movement of the electrode in either a proximal or a distal direction.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsive for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating regions of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a flexible tubular body. Electrical leads couple the conductive regions to an electrical stimulation controller. The controller provides electrical current to the conductive regions at two different frequencies to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women. The conductive regions have a volume resistivity which closely approximates the impedance of vaginal tissue, thereby substantially eliminating current density burns to the vaginal tissue.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: An optically isolated current mirror provides an isolated output signal as a function of an input signal. The mirror includes first and second optical isolators and an amplifier. The amplifier is connected to the first and second optical isolators in a voltage follower configuration which supplies the output signal as a function of an isolated control signal and an isolated feedback signal. The first optical isolator is connected between a source of the input signal and the amplifier. The first optical isolator includes a photosensitive np junction which generates the isolated control signal as a function of the input signal. The second optical isolator is connected to the amplifier in a feedback loop. The second optical isolator includes a photosensitive np junction which generates the isolated feedback signal as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: A method for treating electromyographic signals obtained from one or more muscles in the body which are subject to both volitional motion and externally forced motion to provide one or more indices which indicate the relative control signal energy provided to such a muscle or muscles during contractions and lengthenings thereof.

Abstract: A multiple site drug iontophoresis electronic device configured for controlling infusion of ionic drugs into a patient through a plurality of electrode pairs. The device includes a plurality of electrode driver channels wherein each driver channel includes an electrode output configured for electrical connection to at least one of the plurality of electrode pairs through lead wires. Each driver channel is electrically isolated from the other driver channels and includes an independent current sink which controls current intensity through the electrode output. A common controller operates the driver channels as a function of treatment parameters supplied by the patient.

Abstract: A medical patient's compliance with a prescribed regimen of treatment is monitored through elapsed time of equipment operation. A treatment device used by the patient applies a stimulation signal to the patient through an electrode and counts a first clock signal which produces a first count indicative of the length of time which the stimulation signal is applied. When the patient revisits the doctor, a compliance monitor readout device is connected to the treatment device to facilitate the compliance monitoring. The treatment device then counts, in response to second clock signal generated by the compliance monitor, from the first count to a second predetermined count. The compliance monitor readout device also counts the second clock signal and produces a third count. The compliance monitor readout device then displays an output as a function of the third count.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: An optically isolated current mirror provides an isolated output signal as a function of an input signal. A first optical isolator generates an isolated control signal as a function of the input signal. An amplifier is connected in a voltage follower configuration which supplies the output signal as a function of the control signal and a feedback signal. A second optical isolator generates the feedback signal as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: A bi-directional clip. The clip includes a generally planar member having an edge and fastener for securing the planar member to a portable wearing device. An elongated slot extends through the planar member from the edge to form a pair of clip members.

Abstract: A knee brace includes an upper support assembly pivotally attached to a lower support assembly. A magnetic assembly secures the upper and lower support assemblies to a leg of a wearer above and below the knee joint, respectively. The upper and lower support assemblies each include a pair of support elements engageable with the medial and lateral sides of a wearer's leg. A pair of polycentric hinge members pivotally connect the upper support elements to respective lower support elements. Flexible padded bands attached between the pairs of upper and lower support elements engage the thigh and calf of the leg. Stop members associated with the polycentric hinge members and support elements restrict extension of the wearer's leg. The magnetic assembly includes implanted magnets mounted directly to each of the medial and lateral sides of the femur and tibia beneath the tissue of the leg.

Abstract: An iontophoresis electrode configured for positioning on a patient's skin during a drug treatment. The electrode includes a flexible backing layer having a first surface with an adhesive layer for holding the electrode together and for securing the electrode to the skin. A conductive material layer adheres to the adhesive layer. An absorbent pad layer, positioned adjacent the conductive material layer, holds a drug solution during the treatment. A dispersive material layer overlies the absorbent pad layer to disperse the solution evenly about a skin-electrode interface. The dispersive material layer and the flexible backing layer enclose the conductive material layer and the absorbent pad layer. A plurality of radially oriented slits extend through the conductive material layer at an aperture in the adhesive backing layer to form a site at which the drug solution can be injected into the absorbent pad layer. A snap-type electrical contact is attached to the conductive material layer.

Abstract: A vaginal electrode including a carrier and electrode pad is adapted to be inserted into a woman's vagina to stimulate and constrict muscles therein and prevent the unwanted flow of urine through the urethra. The carrier includes a tubular member having a circular cross-section with a plurality of sets of conductive first snap fastener sections arranged circumferentially about and communicating with its exterior surface. The pad is removably secured to the carrier by a plurality of sets of conductive second snap fastener sections which are releasably cooperable with the first snap fastener sections of the carrier. The pad has a plurality of electrically isolated electrode sections, each section in electrical contact with one of the sets of second snap fastener sections, to contact the vagina. The carrier includes leads to couple electrical energy to the set of first snap fastener sections.

Abstract: A vaginal electrode adapted to be inserted into a woman's vagina and used as part of a stimulation system to stimulate and constrict muscles surrounding the vagina to prevent the flow of urine through the urethra. The electrode includes a nonconductive sheet of material formed into a diametrically compressible spiral tending to unwind. An exterior surface of the sheet contacts the interior vaginal wall after the electrode is inserted into a vagina. Conductive electrode elements circumferentially oriented on the exterior surface of the sheet are thereby forced into electrical contact with the vaginal wall. Leads couple electrical stimulation signals to the electrode elements.

Abstract: A pH buffered electrode for receiving electrical energy and producing an electric field. The pH buffered electrode includes a first conductive layer and a pH buffer layer adjacent the first conductive layer. The pH buffer layer includes a pH buffer covalently coupled to an immobilizing material such as resin beads or polymers. The immobilizing material renders the pH buffer immobile in the presence of an electric field and allows H.sup.+ and OH.sup.- ions to be scavenged.

Abstract: A method generates signal data which is representative of short and long latency components of myoelectric signals. Production of myoelectric signals is repeatedly evoked in a muscle with triggering events. Myoelectric signal data which is representative of the produced myoelectric signals is stored as a temporal function of the triggering events. The myoelectric signal data is averaged before it is demodulated to produce short latency signal data representative of the short latency components of the myoelectric signals. The myoelectric signal data is also demodulated before it is averaged to produce combined short and long latency signal data. The combined signal data is summed with the short latency signal data to isolate the long latency signal data.

Abstract: A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) apparatus includes first, second, and third oscillators. The first oscillator produces a first train of pulses at a main frequency. The second oscillator produces a second train of pulses at a modulation frequency. Output levels of the second train of pulses vary as a function of the modulation frequency. A frequency control simultaneously controls both the main and modulation frequencies. The third oscillator is responsive to the first and second oscillators and produces a third train of pulses at the main frequency. Intensity and frequency of the pulses of the third pulse train are modulated as a function of the output levels of the second train of pulses. An output driver responsive to the third oscillator converts the third train of pulses into a train of stimulation pulses having electrical characteristics adapted to be applied to a human body to suppress pain.