External ear canal electrode to be placed proximate the tympanic membrane
US4706682A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1987 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0558
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrode adapted to be utilized within the external ear canal for applying/recording electrical signals to/from the neural/neuromuscular system of a person having an external ear canal and adjacent tympanic membrane. The electrode utilizes an elongated flexible body having a proximate end and a distal end. The elongated flexible body is stiff enough to be inserted into the external ear canal but is flexible enough to bend if the electrode is inserted against the tympanic membrane without rupturing the tympanic membrane. A compressible material is mounted at the distal end of the body and an electrically conductive gel is carried by the compressible material. An electrical conductor communicates with the body and electrically couples the conductive gel to the proximate end of the electrode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.