Abstract: Manufacturing a neural interface device. Forming a neural interface probe of an implantable microelectrode body. PECVD a first amorphous silicon carbide insulation layer, forming a thin film metal trace and interface pad on the first layer, the pad on a portion of the trace. PECVD a second amorphous silicon carbide insulation layer on the first layer and covering the trace and the pad. Forming an opening in the second layer to expose the pad to an ambient environment. Patterning the first and second layers to define the neural interface probe. The probe has a rectangular cuboid shape, a cross-sectional area perpendicularly transverse to a long axis length of the probe and through any perpendicularly transverse cross-section along the long axis length is less than about 50 microns. The layers are the principle material of construction of the probe.

Abstract: A neural interface device that comprises an implantable microelectrode body. The implantable microelectrode body includes a neural interface probe, which includes a thin film metal trace connected to an interface pad and an amorphous silicon carbide insulation. The amorphous silicon carbide insulation surrounds the thin film metal trace to form an outside surface of the neural interface probe. The interface pad is exposed to an ambient environment of the neural interface probe through an opening in the amorphous silicon carbide insulation. Methods of manufacturing the neural interface device are disclosed.

Abstract: A neural interface device that comprises an implantable microelectrode body. The implantable microelectrode body includes a neural interface probe, which includes a thin film metal trace connected to an interface pad and an amorphous silicon carbide insulation. The amorphous silicon carbide insulation surrounds the thin film metal trace to form an outside surface of the neural interface probe. The interface pad is exposed to an ambient environment of the neural interface probe through an opening in the amorphous silicon carbide insulation. Methods of manufacturing the neural interface device are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode array having a splayable bundle of fibers having heat-sharpened tips. A method of manufacturing an electrode array including heat-sharpening a tip of each of a plurality of fibers; and bundling the plurality of fibers. A method of implanting an electrode array into a subject, the electrode array having a bundle of fibers, the method including exposing a target in the subject for the electrode array; and inserting the bundle of fibers into the target, where forces holding the bundle of fibers together are released during the insertion thus resulting in splaying of the fibers. An electrical connection with the fibers can be formed by a conductive material, or in high-channel count designs formed by surface mounting two-dimensional amplifier arrays to a base of a fiber array.

Abstract: An instrument use counter and related method are disclosed. The instrument use counter can include a tray, an instrument holder, an actuator, and a counter. The tray can include an instrument holder positioned on or above an upper surface of the tray. The instrument holder can be configured to retain at least one instrument. The actuator can be located in proximity to the instrument holder and can include a proximity sensor in electronic communication with the at least one instrument or a moveable member engageable with the at least one instrument during removal from, or receipt by, the instrument holder. The counter can be coupled to the tray, positioned above the upper surface, and operably coupled to the proximity sensor or the movable member of the actuator. The counter can include a numerical readout member that can track instrument use.

Abstract: An interface system for a television receiver includes an interface connector having a plurality contacts connected to various component circuits in the television receiver. In order to provide various functions for the television receiver, the interface system includes various circuit boards each having a plug connectable with the interface connector. The plug includes a number of contacts equal to or less than the plurality of contacts in the interface connector. Depending on the desired function, the circuit board further includes circuits for providing the function, these circuits being interconnected and connected to the appropriate contacts in the plug for connecting with the appropriate component circuits in the television receiver. The interface system allows the television receiver functions to be modified and/or updated without the need for opening the television and modifying the circuits and/or the wiring to the circuits.