Abstract: A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath (108) surrounding a conducting wire. A conducting region (105) of the wire is exposed to the interior of the nerve (200). The fibers are configured for insertion between fascicles (204) of the nerve. In other teachings, a layer of polymer material configured to switch from a high strength/tensile modulus state to a low strength/tensile modulus state upon introduction of the fibers into the nerve is disposed on the fibers.

Abstract: An implantable cuff includes an elastic collar, at least one conductive segment disposed on or within the elastic collar, and at least one conductor in electrical communication with the at least one conductive segment. The elastic collar defines an internal opening configured to receive an internal body tissue. At least a portion of the elastic collar includes a stiffening region having a stiffness greater than a second region of the elastic collar. The at least one conductor is configured to operably mate with an apparatus capable of delivering electrical stimulation to, and/or recording an electrical activity of, the internal body tissue.

Abstract: A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively.

Abstract: A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath (108) surrounding a conducting wire. A conducting region (105) of the wire is exposed to the interior of the nerve (200). The fibers are configured for insertion between fascicles (204) of the nerve. In other teachings, a layer of polymer material configured to switch from a high strength/tensile modulus state to a low strength/tensile modulus state upon introduction of the fibers into the nerve is disposed on the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates a system that can configure a stimulus for functional electrical stimulation (“FES”) to maintain a constant muscle force while delaying the onset of muscle fatigue and a related method of use. The stimulus can be delivered to a nerve via a set of multiple electrode contacts according to a stimulation parameter that maximizes a joint moment associated with the stimulus and minimizes the overlap between pairs of contacts. The joint moment can be related to the muscle force, and the overlap can be related to the onset of muscle fatigue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for stimulating motor units. An electrode array includes a plurality of electrodes configured to provide stimulation to respective motor units of a plurality of independent, mutually agonist motor units. A stimulator assembly is configured to provide a stimulation current to each electrode of the plurality of electrodes. The stimulation current is provided such that a sum of respective time-varying moments at the plurality of motor units remains substantially constant and non-zero.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator Is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide effective neuromuscular stimulation to meet a host of different prosthetic or therapeutic objections. The systems and methods also provide convenience of operation, flexibility to meet different user-selected requirements, and transportability and ease of manipulation, that enhance the quality of life of the individual that requires chronic neuromuscular stimulation.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide effective neuromuscular stimulation to meet a host of different prosthetic or therapeutic objections. The systems and methods also provide convenience of operation, flexibility to meet different user-selected requirements, and transportability and ease of manipulation, that enhance the quality of life of the individual that requires chronic neuromuscular stimulation.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide effective neuromuscular stimulation to meet a host of different prosthetic or therapeutic objections. The systems and methods also provide convenience of operation, flexibility to meet different user-selected requirements, and transportability and ease of manipulation, that enhance the quality of life of the individual that requires chronic neuromuscular stimulation.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet of non-conductive biocompatible material is biased to circumferentially contract around a nerve or other body tissue. Conductive members are disposed on inwardly projecting portions of the corrugated sheet formed into a cylinder around the nerve. The conductive segments are electrically conductive for applying or recording electrical impulses or fluid conductive for infusing medications or draining fluids from the nerve. The corrugated sheet, when wrapped around a nerve, is self-biased to slowly controllably contract to its original size. Over a period of a few days, electrodes disposed on the sheet corrugations become embedded in the nerve without damage to the perineurium membrane surrounding the nerve axons. The electrodes and corrugations displace the fascicles of the nerve rather than damaging them by piercing the perineurium membrane. The epineurium membrane is initially pierced but rejunivates around the contracted nerve cuff over time.

Abstract: A self-curling sheet of a non-conductive material is biased to curl into a tight cylinder. Inwardly extending conductive members are disposed on the surface of the sheet forming the inside of the cylinder. Circumferentially separated longitudinal slices are made in the cylinder adjacent the conductive members forming spring members such that, as the sheet relaxes over time, the electrodes on the spring members engage and pierce a nerve surrounded by the cuff. The conductive segments may be electrically conductive for applying electrical impulses or fluid conductive for infusing medications. In use, a first edge of the self-curling sheet is disposed adjacent a nerve trunk which is to receive the cuff therearound. The self-curling sheet is controllably permitted to curl around the nerve into its original cylindrical shape.