Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for neural stimulation with improved power consumption and/or effectiveness. The stimulus generator is arranged, for example via a look up table, to recognise proposed stimuli which will be masked by earlier or simultaneous stimuli. Such masked stimuli are either deleted, or replaced by another stimulus.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes an electrode array (1) comprising multiple platinum ring electrodes in a silastic carrier to be implanted in the cochlea of the ear. A receiver-stimulator (3) containing a semiconductor integrated circuit and other components is implanted in the patient adjacent the ear to receive data information and power through tuned coil (5) using an inductive link (6) from a patient-wearable external speech processor (7) including an integrated circuit and various components which is configured or mapped to emit data signals from an EPROM programmed to suit each patient electrical stimulation perceptions through testing of the patient and his implanted stimulator/electrode using a diagnostic and programming unit (12) connected to the processor by an interface unit (10).

Abstract: A test system for a sealed, sterile package containing a cochlear prosthesis electrode. A light-emitting diode has its two leads in contact with at least two different conducting bands on the electrode. The prosthesis, which is externally-powered, is operated so as to supply a stimulus current between the two bands. If the light-emitting diode is illuminated, proper operation of the prosthesis can be verified without unsealing the package.

Abstract: Signal processing system for converting a speech signal into a data signal for controlling a hearing prosthesis having an implanted electrode array adapted to stimulate the auditory nerve fibers of a patient by the application of electrical currents to selected electrodes in the array. The system generates an input signal current corresponding to a received speech signal. The amplitude and frequency of the fundamental voicing component of the speech signal is approximated as are the amplitude and frequency of at least one formant of the speech signal. A programmable microprocessor produces instructions which cause the application of electrical currents to selected groups of electrodes in the array with or without delays between the stimulation of each electrode in the groups.

Abstract: A system for converting a speech signal into a data signal for controlling an implantable stimulation electrode array hearing prosthesis. An input speech signal is passed through three circuit arms, comprising filter circuits, zero crossing counter circuits and RMS measuring circuits (3-13), for producing signals representing amplitude and frequency of the fundamental voicing component and the first three formants of the speech signal. Computer (14) is programmed with a patient's psychophysical data, and determines the manner of stimulation of the electrodes by ranking the sharpness of the electrodes and assigning sub-bands of the second formant frequency range to particular electrodes. Also, the voiced or unvoiced nature of the signal is determined by comparing the fundamental and second formant components. The output signal passed through a data formatter (15) and transmitter (16) has both formant and prosodic information whereby the production of confusing percepts is avoided.

Abstract: A single large balloon tire bicycle wheel having a vertical frame attached to the axle extending upward to support handles is provided with a set of horizontal plastic tubes for holding a set of golf clubs. The plastic tubes are mounted in sheet metal brackets on either side of the wheel and have club head holding blocks disposed on the forward ends of the tubes. The tubes are staggered such that each club head is held in place by the holding block on the next lower tube. A tubular strut is attached to the lower end of each tube holder bracket and has a pair of short legs attached thereto. The caddy, when not being moved, rests on one pair of legs leaning slightly to one side. A broad handle may be folded forward when the caddy is at rest, contacting the tire, and usable as a seat.

Abstract: A prosthesis and specifically an aural prosthesis which includes an implantable component which is in connection with means which can selectively stimulate neural endings the component being arranged to receive a signal from an extension component which converts a parameter into a transmittable form and which includes a transmitter, the signal from the transmitter received by the implanted component which resolves the signal into groups of two components which can selectively stimulate the neural endings, the stimulation to each ending being independent to stimulation of each other neural ending in both intensity and phase.

Abstract: An electrical connector specifically for use in body implants where a connection may have to be varied which has on a first connector member a number of first conductors, an elastomeric connector member located above the first connector member, the elastomeric member having alternating conducting and non-conducting regions such that when it overlies the first conductors at least one conducting region is in contact with each of the first conductors and the non-conducting region is located between each pair of first conductors and a second complimentary connector member located above and secured to the first connector member, the conductors of the second connector member being in contact with the conducting regions of the elastomeric connector member and the spaces therebetween being in contact with at least the non-conducting region.