Physics of Sound and Vibration: Effects On Human Electro-Dynamic Physiology

  Patent No. 6205361 Implantable expandable multicontact electrodes (Kuzma, et al., March 20, 2001) Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation (Sylmar, CA)   Abstract A paddle-type electrode or electrode array is implantable like a percutaneously inserted lead, i.e., without requiring major surgery, but once inserted, expands to provide a platform for many electrode configurations. The electrode array is provided on a flexible, foldable, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate is folded, or compressed. during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using simple, well-known percutaneous implantation techniques. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. A memory element is used within the subcarrier or substrate which causes the electrode array to expand

  Patent No. 6175764 Implantable microstimulator system for producing repeatable patterns of electrical stimulation (Loeb,  et al., January 16, 2001) Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation (Sylmar, CA)   Abstract Improved implantable microstimulators are covered with a biocompatible polymeric coating in order to provide increased strength to the capsule and to capture fragments of the microstimulator should it become mechanically disrupted. Such coating also makes the microstimulator safer and easier to handle. The coating may include one or more diffusible chemical agents that are released in a controlled manner into the surrounding tissue. The chemical agents, such as trophic factors, antibiotics, hormones, neurotransmitters and other pharmaceutical substances, are selected to produce desired physiological effects, to aid, support or to supplement the effects of the electrical stimulation. Further, microstimulators in acc

  Patent No. 6174278 Implantable microphone (Jaeger, et al., Jan 16, 2001) Abstract The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize. Notes: SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for improving sound production and amplification in vocally impaired persons and particularly to the field of implantable microphones. The present invention also provides devices and methods for improving sound production and amplification suitable for diagnostic purposes. The present invention provides two-stage implantable microphone devices and methods for their use. In one embodiment, the

  Patent No. 6164284 System of implantable devices for monitoring and/or affecting body parameters (Schulman, et al., Dec 26, 2000) Abstract A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the S

  Patent No. 4024875   Device for non-invasive programming of implanted body stimulators (Putzke, May 24, 1977) Abstract A device for the non-invasive programming of an implantable body stimulator. The device includes a power supply and circuitry for generating and transmitting a preselected number of pulses of radio frequency energy. A push-button switch initiates the operation of the pulse-generating circuitry and the power supply is enabled only during an interval of predetermined duration following the initiating of operation of the pulse-generating circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply includes a power source, such as batteries, and a voltage regulator for establishing a substantially constant supply voltage for all power source voltages above a preselected level. The device may include circuitry for indicating the establishment of the substantially constant supply voltage as well as circuitry for preventing the