Abstract: An electrode array includes a fan-shaped substrate member. The fan-shaped substrate member includes a dielectric material and that has a triangular portion with a convexly curved base from which a first side and an opposite second side extend to a truncated apex that includes a concavely curved surface. An elongated lead member includes the dielectric material and extends from the base adjacent to a selected one of the first side and the second side. The elongated lead member is contiguous with the fan-shaped substrate member. Each of a plurality of wires is embedded in the fan-shaped substrate member and the elongated lead member. Each of a corresponding plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of wires. Each of the corresponding plurality of electrodes includes an exposed surface.

Abstract: A silent communication system (100) for communication between a first person (22) having a speech motor cortex (12) and a second person (24) employs a speech motor cortex neural sensing device (120) and senses speech neural impulses generated by the first person (22) who is generating motor neural potentials corresponding to speech. A wireless transmission device (122) is disposed on the first person (22) and communicates with the speech motor cortex neural sensing device (120). The wireless transmission device (122) generates a radio frequency signal corresponding to the speech neural impulses. A speech generating device (130) is disposed on he second person (24) and is responsive to the radio frequency signal. The speech generating device (130) generates a reconstruction of the speech of the first person (22) that is audibly perceptible by the second person (24).

Abstract: A neural implant system for communicating neural impulses generated by a brain of a patient having a body includes a neural implant electrode system that is configured to be implanted in a selected site of the patient's brain. A wireless power receiver and communication circuit is in communication with the neural implant electrode and is configured to be disposed within the patient's body at a predetermined location. An external telemetry and power unit is configured to provide power to and to communicate with the wireless power receiver and communication circuit. The wireless power source and transceiver circuit is configured to operate outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: A speech synthesis device detects beta peak firings corresponding to intended vocalizations by a subject having a scalp, a mastoid process and a speech motor cortex. A EEG electrode and a negative electrode are disposed on the scalp of the subject adjacent to the speech motor cortex. A transmitter is electrically coupled to the electrodes, and is configured to transmit wirelessly electronic representations of the neural potentials detected by the electrodes. A remote unit receives the electronic representations of the neural potentials from the transmitter. The remote unit is programmed to: detect beta peaks firings in the neural potentials; correlate the beta peaks firings with beta peaks associated with phonemes, words and phrases; and generate audible representations of the phonemes, words and phrases.

Abstract: A neural sensor includes a substrate defining an array of vias passing therethrough, a plurality of conductive surfaces, a light source, a plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and a charge-coupled device (CCD) array. Each via allows a neurite to grow therethrough. Each conductive surface is adjacent to a different via and is electrically coupled thereto. The light source directs light toward the substrate. Each group of quantum dot-based luminescence units extends upwardly from a different one of the conductive surfaces generates light at a different predetermined wavelength when excited with light from the light source. Each luminescence unit changes its luminescence when electrically stimulated by a neural potential generated by a neurite. The CCD detects luminescence from each of the plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and generates a signal representative of intensity of each wavelength of light detected.

Abstract: A neural sensor includes a substrate defining an array of vias passing therethrough, a plurality of conductive surfaces, a light source, a plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and a charge-coupled device (CCD) array. Each via allows a neurite to grow therethrough. Each conductive surface is adjacent to a different via and is electrically coupled thereto. The light source directs light toward the substrate. Each group of quantum dot-based luminescence units extends upwardly from a different one of the conductive surfaces generates light at a different predetermined wavelength when excited with light from the light source. Each luminescence unit changes its luminescence when electrically stimulated by a neural potential generated by a neurite. The CCD detects luminescence from each of the plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and generates a signal representative of intensity of each wavelength of light detected.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication includes a medication hopper, a dispensing mechanism that is configured to dispense medication from the hopper to a user and a processor. The processor is in communication with a communication network and is configured to generate instructions to the dispensing mechanism that cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense medications according to a stored prescription and track an amount of medication in the medication hopper. If the amount is less than a predetermined threshold, then the processor is configured to send a message to a designated entity indicating that the amount of medication in the hopper is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication includes a medication hopper, a dispensing mechanism that is configured to dispense medication from the hopper to a user and a processor. The processor is in communication with a communication network and is configured to generate instructions to the dispensing mechanism that cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense medications according to a stored prescription and track an amount of medication in the medication hopper. If the amount is less than a predetermined threshold, then the processor is configured to send a message to a designated entity indicating that the amount of medication in the hopper is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A device for interfacing neurons includes a substrate that defines at least one via passing therethrough. The via is configured to allow at least one neurite to grow therethrough. A light generating unit is disposed adjacent to the substrate and is configured to generate light of a predetermined frequency when an action potential from the neurite is sensed. A light sensor that is spaced apart from the substrate is configured to assert a neural signal corresponding to the action potential when the light generating unit generates light of the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: In a method of assisting a subject to generate speech, at least one first neural impulse is sensed from a first preselected location in the subject's brain. A first preselected sound is associated with the first neural impulse. The first preselected sound is generated in an audible format. In an apparatus for assisting the subject to generate speech, at least one sensor senses a neural impulse in the subject's brain and generates a signal representative thereof. An electronic speech generator generates a phoneme in response to the generation of the signal. An audio system generates audible sounds corresponding to the phoneme based upon the signal received from the speech generator.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing a neural signal inside a patient's skull, transmitting it to a remote receiver, and using it to control an application. A plurality of skull screws is inserted on the skull and under the scalp, and the skull screws are connected to a transmitter. The differential potential between two skull screws are detected, amplified, and transmitted to a receiver connected to a computing device. The computing device checks for the signal's voltage level and duration before using it for controlling the application.

Abstract: An electrode implantable in the brain or other area of neural activity to provide long term recording of electrical signals. The electrode comprises (a) a conducting wire, being insulated along its length except for a pre-determined area, for conducting an electrical signal to or from the body from or to an extracorporeal transmitter or receiver; and (b) an open hollow insulating structure surrounding at least a portion of an exposed portion of the conducting wire for electrically isolating signal within the structure from that outside the structure. A method is disclosed for implanting the electrode. Also disclosed is the use of a viable nerve segment dissected from a remote part of the body, such as the sciatic nerve, to serve as an anchor for neurite growth from the brain into the insulator and in proximity to or contacting the exposed end of the wire.