Abstract: A sensor system for detecting and processing EMG signals including a substrate having a bottom surface adapted for attachment to skin; a plurality of spaced apart electrode arrays projecting from the bottom surface so as to engage the skin and detect EMG signals in muscles located under the substrate; and four differential amplifiers connected to receive EMG signals from four distinct pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays detect the action potentials of the muscle fibers from various orientations so that the shape of an action potential appears substantially dissimilar in each of the four differential pairs.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode including a flexible pad having a top surface and a bottom surface; an asymmetrical, linearly aligned array of signal contacts retained by the flexible pad and each having a contact surface projecting from the bottom surface and a coupling surface projecting above the top surface; and a connector including a plurality of connector contacts each being shaped and arranged for electrical connection to a different one of the coupling surfaces. The asymmetrical array of signal contacts facilitates proper positioning of the electrode on the skin.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring and identifying Functional Activities performed by a test subject, the method including the steps of (a) extracting a given type of signals from each of a predetermined set of muscles of a control subject during the performance thereby of a given Functional Activity; (b) processing the signals to provide therefor given parameters affected by the given Functional Activity; (c) storing the data obtained in step (b); and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) for a plurality of other control subjects. The stored data then is utilized to establish a normative data base indicative of the given Functional Activity and further steps include (f) extracting the given type of signals from each of at least some of the predetermined set of muscles of a test subject during a given monitoring period; and (g) comparing the data base to the signals of step (f) to identify during the monitoring period portions thereof during which the test subject was performing the given Functional Activity.

Abstract: A biosignal monitoring system including a plurality of sensors for disposition in predetermined positions on the body of a test subject; each sensor having contact surfaces shaped and arranged to detect a particular biosignal generated in the body, a sensor transceiver, a sensor antenna, a voltage supply, and a microprocessor programmed for processing the particular biosignal to provide given data; and a control station providing a wireless, bi-directional data communications link with the sensors; the control station having a station transceiver, a station antenna, and a computer for further processing the given data received from the sensors.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode including a flexible pad having a top surface and a bottom surface; an asymmetrical, linearly aligned array of signal contacts retained by the flexible pad and each having a contact surface projecting from the bottom surface and a coupling surface projecting above the top surface; and a connector including a plurality of connector contacts each being shaped and arranged for electrical connection to a different one of the coupling surfaces. The asymmetrical array of signal contacts facilitates proper positioning of the electrode on the skin.

Abstract: A method for analyzing muscle function including the steps of: (a) locating in a human control subject a predetermined muscle group activatable to produce a given torque; (b) fixing over each of a plurality of individual muscles in the group an electrode adapted to detect myoelectric signals generated therein; (c) activating of the muscles to generate myoelectric signals therein; (d) processing the myoelectric signals to determine a plurality of predetermined values thereof; (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for each of a plurality of other control subjects; (f) determining a normative range of the predetermined values determined in steps (d) and (e); (g) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for a human test subject; and (h) comparing the predetermined values determined in step (g) with the normative range determined in step (f). Dysfunction in the muscle group of the test subject can be determined by comparison of the processed myoelectric signal values.

Abstract: A muscle function analysis system including a base; a restraint device supported by the base and shaped and arranged to receive and immobilize a human body portion retaining a muscle group concurrently activatable to produce a body function; and a support apparatus supported by the base and shaped and arranged to support other portions of the body, the support apparatus adapted to substantially isolate activity in the muscle group from muscle activity in the other body portions. Also included are an electrode array adapted for coupling to the muscle group so as to receive myoelectric signals generated by muscle activity therein and a processing system coupled to the electrode array and adapted to process the myoelectric signals. By isolating muscle activity in a particular muscle group, more useful data is obtained for evaluating muscle dysfunction in the group.

Abstract: A muscle function analysis system including a base; a restraint device supported by the base and shaped and arranged to receive and immobilize one portion of a person's body, the one portion retaining a muscle group concurrently activatable to produce a body function; an electrode array adapted for coupling to the muscle group so as to receive myoelectric signals generated by muscle activity therein; and a processing system coupled to the electrode array and adapted to process the myoelectric signals.

Abstract: A method for analyzing muscle function and comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of electrodes each having a pair of elongated, substantially parallel detection surfaces; locating in a human body a muscle activatable to product a given torque; fixing each of the electrodes over a different muscle in the group with the detection surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to muscle fiber direction in the muscle; activating each of the different muscles to generate therein myoelectric signals detected by the electrodes; and processing the myoelectric signals detected by the electrodes. Myoelectric signal quality is enhanced by orienting the detection surfaces peripendicular to the direction of muscle fiber.

Abstract: A system and a method for obtaining improved quality electrical signals generated anatomically. Included in the system are primary terminals suitable for implantation so as to pick up an anatomically generated primary signal comprising both a desired component derived from a primary tissue source and a noise component derived from an auxiliary tissue source directly adjacent to the primary source. Also included are auxiliary terminals suitable for implantation directly adjacent to the primary terminals so as to pick up an anatomically generated auxiliary signal derived from the auxiliary signal source. Electrical leads connect the primary and auxiliary terminals and an output circuit having a processor for differentially combining the primary and auxiliary signals. By obtaining and then differentially combining both the primary and auxiliary signals there is obtained a high quality output signal corresponding to the desired component of the primary signal.

Abstract: A device for anatomic implantation to provide electrical interface to nerves. Included in the device are a pair of electrical leads secured to a coupling formed from a piece of woven sheet material, and having ends connected to spaced apart input terminals disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the coupling. Connected to the opposite ends of the leads are output terminals for interfacing to electrical recording or measuring instruments. The input terminals receive desired nerve signals while other unwanted anatomic signals are rejected by an insulative case that covers the woven coupling.

Abstract: A device and a method for anatomic implantation to provide electrical interface to nerves. Included in the device are a pair of electrical leads secured to a coupling formed from a piece of woven sheet material, and having ends connected to spaced apart input terminals disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the coupling. Connected to the opposite ends of the leads are output terminals for interfacing to electrical recording or measuring instruments. During implantation, a subject nerve is embraced by the inner surface of the sheet material which is shaped for juxtaposition the outer surface of the nerve at a minimum spacing therefrom of 0.3 millimeters. In the period following implantation the interstices of the sheet material coupling receive anatomic tissue growth establishing a structurally stable dimensional relationship between the nerve and both the input electrodes and the coupling.