Abstract: A self crimping connector for securing very fine wires of the order of 0.0015" diameter into an electrical connector is described. A terminal block having an opening at least five times the diameter of the wire is preferably gold plated and the wire is inserted. A malleable metal pin means, preferably a gold pin having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the opening, is inserted between the wire and a sidewall of the opening. A longitudinal force is applied to the exposed end of the pin so as to radially expand the pin and force it into locking engagement with the wire and the sidewall without deforming or nicking the wire and thus weakening it.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.

Abstract: An addressable, implantable microstimulator is substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. Power and information for operating the microstimulator is received through a modulated, alternating magnetic field in which a coil is adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer. Electrical energy is stored in capacitor means and is released into the living body by controlled, stimulating pulses which pass through body fluids and tissue between the exposed electrodes of the microstimulator. Detection and decoding means within the microstimulator are provided for controlling the stimulating pulses in accordance with the modulation of the received, alternating magnetic field. Means for controllably recharging the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: An electrolytic, capacitive electrode, adapted to be disposed in body fluids when implanted, is used to store electrical energy for use in providing electrical energy to at least a portion of the internal electrical circuitry of an implantable device. Substantial capacitance is provided, particularly when constructed of anodized, porous tantalum with a counterelectrode of activated iridium. Such capacitive electrodes, exposed outside the implantable device, alleviate the requirement for space for a storage capacitor within miniature, implantable devices and may also serve as stimulating electrodes.

Abstract: An improved transponder for transmitting an identification of an animal or the like is described which is sufficiently miniaturized to be syringe-implantable, thus avoiding the necessity of surgical procedures. The transponder comprises a coil which receives an interrogation signal and transmits an identification signal in response thereto. The transponder receives the energy required for transmission by inductive coupling to an interrogator. A single integrated circuit chip is provided which detects the interrogation signal, rectifies it to generate power needed for transmission, stores an identification of the transponder and hence of the animal in which it is implanted, and generates a frequency-shift-keyed, Manchester encoded identification signal in response to the interrogation signal. The device transmits the identification signal in real time, that is, immediately upon commencement of the interrogation signal, such that no discrete elements for energy storage are required.

Abstract: An addressable, implantable microstimulator is substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. Power and information for operating the microstimulator is received through a modulated, alternating magnetic field in which a coil is adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer. Electrical energy is stored in capacitor means and is released into the living body by controlled, stimulating pulses which pass through body fluids and tissue between the exposed electrodes of the microstimulator. Detection and decoding means within the microstimulator are provided for controlling the stimulating pulses in accordance with the modulation of the received, alternating magnetic field. Means for controllably recharging the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.

Abstract: An electrode array for implantation in a human cochlea. The array includes a spiral-shaped resilient carrier which generally conforms to the shape of the scala tympani of the cochlea. The carrier supports eight electrode pairs, with each electrode having an associated lead. The leads are arranged in the carrier to form a central rib structure which controls flexing of the array. The individual leads have an elongated cross-section and are individually vertically aligned in the rib structure, so that the array will readily flex in the plane defined by the array spiral. The structure limits flexing in the vertical direction. The restricted flexing serves to avoid injury to the basal membrane located at the upper surface of the scala tympani during implantation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an intracochlear multielectrode array having a spiral configuration, at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea. The array is formed in a two-part mold and comprises an elastomeric carrier supporting a plurality of metallic electrodes in fixed positions thereon. Each electrode has an associated lead to provide a plurality of leads and composite rib structure extending from a basal portion of the array to an apical portion thereof. Each electrode and associated lead is formed from a flattened metallic wire. The wire leads are stacked in the mold to permit the wires to flex in the direction of their spiral curvatures, facilitating insertion of the array into a cochlear, but to prevent transverse flexing thereof.

Abstract: A surgically implantable electrode system has been conceived which includes two or more electrical elements embedded in a helically wound substrate made of insulative material. The contact elements are connected to electrical lead-in conductors which are encased in the substrate and extend from a common end of the substrate to a contact element. The substrate is wound around a nerve or nerve bundle in helical fashion until the contact elements are positioned against the nerve or nerve bundle surface at the desired location. A membrane is wrapped around the substrate to insulate the electrode system, and the lead-in conductors are anchored to relieve strain on the electrode system.