Patents by Inventor James Singleton

James Singleton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090264972
    Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array, which comprises: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a partial or entire coating of the base and top layer by a soft polymer. A method of preparing a flexible circuit electrode array, comprising: (a) providing a first soft polymer layer; (b) depositing a first a base layer on the first soft polymer layer; (c) providing a metal thin film on the base layer; (d) depositing a top polymer layer on the metal thin film; (e) providing holes in the top polymer layer; (f) depositing a second soft polymer layer on the top polymer layer; (g) providing holes in the second soft polymer layer for bond pads and electrodes; and (h) preparing electrodes in the provided holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: David Daomin Zhou, Robert J. Greenberg, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Boon-Khai Ng, James Singleton Little
  • Publication number: 20090228086
    Abstract: An electrode array attached to neural tissue, such as the retina, necessarily has graded pressure exerted on the tissue, with higher pressure near the attachment point. Greater pressure improves contact between the electrodes and neural tissue while too much pressure may damage neural tissue. Hence it is advantageous to obtain equal pressure across the array field. In the present invention multiple and selective attachment points are provided on an electrode array allowing a surgeon to select the attachment points providing the best electrode tissue contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Mark S. Humayun, James Singleton Little, Jordan Matthew Neysmith
  • Publication number: 20090143848
    Abstract: A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, David Daomin Zhou, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Kelly H. McClure, Jianing Wei, Neil Hamilton Talbot, James Singleton Little
  • Publication number: 20090118805
    Abstract: In a visual prosthesis electrodes stimulate retinal tissue to induce the perception of light to a user implanted with the prosthesis. The prosthesis must have a return, or common, electrode to make a complete circuit with the retinal tissue. To avoid stimulating tissue with the return electrode, it is advantageous if the electrode is large. The invention involver a flexible circuit electrode array comprising a polymer base layer, metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces, and a return electrode separate from said stimulating electrodes. The flexible circuit electrode array comprises a secondary coil for receiving visual data; an electronics package electrically coupled to said receiving coil, and a plurality of stimulating electrode electrically coupled to said electronics package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Neil Hamilton Talbot, James Singleton Little, Kelly H. McClure, Brian V. Mech, Rongqing Dai, David Daomin Zhou, Gaillard R. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20080314506
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue. The present invention is directed to a device comprising a substrate containing at least one contact, a flexible assembly containing at least one pad, and electroplated bonding between said contact and said pad that bonds said substrate and said flexible assembly together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20080319493
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue. The present invention is directed to a device comprising a substrate containing at least one contact, a flexible assembly containing at least one pad, and electroplated bonding between said contact and said pad that bonds said substrate and said flexible assembly together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20080288036
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and at least one support embedded in said array. The disclosure further relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a folded flexible circuit cable connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Eugene de Juan, Mark S. Humayun, Kelly H. McClure, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Brian V. Mech, James Singleton Little, Mohamed Khaldi
  • Publication number: 20080283417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20080288037
    Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array with more than one layer of metal traces comprising: a polymer base layer; more than one layer of metal traces, separated by polymer layers, deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; and a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces. Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Neil Hamilton Talbot, James Singleton Little, Brian V. Mech, Robert J. Greenberg, Qingfang Yao, Dao Min Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080275527
    Abstract: Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Matthew J. McMahon, James Singleton Little, Kelly H. McClure, Brian V. Mech, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Jordan M. Neysmith
  • Publication number: 20080268134
    Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable electrode with increased stability having a clustered structure wherein the surface of the electrode is covered with a material comprising openings which are filled with sticks or posts. The present invention provides an implantable electrode with increased stability wherein the surface is of the electrode comprises mesh grids which are filled with sticks which are filed with a conducting or insulating material. The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrode with increased stability, comprising: depositing a metal layer on an base layer; applying photoresist layer on the metal layer; patterning the photoresist layer providing openings; electroplating the openings with metal; removing the photoresist layer leaving spaces; and filling the spaces with polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Jerry Ok, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Brian V. Mech, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20080221653
    Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a central opening in the area of the metal traces. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a soft polymer filling an attachment point. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a hump to avoid a touching of the flexible electrode array and the optic nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Rajat Agrawal, Robert J. Greenberg, Mark S. Humayun, James Singleton Little, Brian V. Mech, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Dao Min Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080177356
    Abstract: The present application deals generally with the stimulation of neural tissue by electronic means and specifically with controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Jay Greenberg, Kelly Hobart McClure, James Singleton Little, Rongqing Dai, Arup Roy, Richard Agustin Castro, John Reinhold, Kea-Tiong Tang, Sumit Yadav, Chunhong Zhou, Dao Min Zhou, Pishoy Maksy
  • Publication number: 20080023340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 7228181
    Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Da-Yu Chang, Rajat Agrawal, Brian V. Mech, Mark S. Humayun, James Singleton Little, Kevin Wilkin
  • Patent number: 6056193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer keyboard console with an integral encoded device reader, which may for example be a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader or a "smart card" reader or any generally similar device for reading encoded data, for example a personal identification number (PIN) held on the device which may be inserted into a slot defined by the console. The reader comprises an interface in communication with a dedicated microprocessor in communication with means for erasably storing or validating data such as security or user identity data, the keyboard matrix circuitry, and adapted to communicate with the host CPU via the standard keyboard port connection, and/or via a separate serial connection or interface. Preferably, separate reader interfaces are configured with the dedicated microprocessor to read a barcode device, a magnetic card device, or a smart card device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: John McAuliffe, James Singleton, August Mievis, David McEvoy