Jack Judy

Greatly Increases Therapeutic Capacity of Connectable Neural Implants

This miniature implantable connector allows high-channel-count and high-channel-density neural implants to disconnect and reconnect without disrupting the delicate integration of tissue and neural interfaces. Advanced neural interface technologies, such as cochlear implants, deep-brain stimulators, retinal prosthetics, and brain-machine interfaces can greatly improve patient quality of life. However, today’s neural implant technology cannot easily scale to higher channel counts in order to enable improved performance while remaining small. Currently, for high-channel-density applications, the implant connection to the neural interface is permanent. Changing a battery or upgrading implant electronics requires removal of the neural interface and re-implantation, which can damage tissue. This fact illustrates the need for neural interface connectors that allow reversible connectivity for high-channel-count and high-channel-density implants.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a miniature implantable neural interface connector for high-channel-density and high-channel-count applications that can disconnect and reconnect without tissue damage or disturbing the electrode-tissue interface. Micro machined components establish reversible neural implant connections for applications ranging from advanced prosthetics to brain-machine interfaces.

Application

Implantable connector providing a high-channel-density and/or a high-channel-count interconnection between implanted interfaces and other implanted devices.

Advantages

• Establishes reversible high-channel-density and high-channel-density connections for advanced neural implants, removing the requirement for a permanent connection
• Can provide high (>1 ΜΩ) channel-to-channel isolation in a miniature high-density form factor
• Allows implant battery changes and upgrades without disrupting tissue-integrated interfaces and the potential for tissue damage

Technology

An isolation micro gasket, elastic interconnection array, and clamping mechanism form the miniature implantable connector. The soft silicone-type gasket material maintains high channel-to-channel isolation. Integrated array elastic conductive microelements within the gasket compress when the connector apparatus is compressed, initiating vertical electric conduction. Each elastic conductive microelement achieves multiple contact points for reliable and low-impedance electrical contacts. The clamping mechanism, consisting of a rigid top plate, ceramic header, and rigid base enclosure, maintains adequate and uniform pressure for good sealing, electrical isolation, and low contact resistance.

Locally Determines Pressure and Fluid Flow in High-Temperature Applications Such as Gas Turbines to Prevent High Cycle Fatigue

This low-maintenance, passive wireless sensor uses a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and radiofrequency waves to measure static and dynamic pressures accurately for applications in harsh environments, such as gas turbines. Many industries require pressure sensors that maintain accurate operation even when subject to severe environmental hazards. However, these harsh environments often damage the pressure sensors, which then demand regular maintenance. Notably, this problem occurs in high-temperature gas turbines, which are powered by the hot gases produced by burning fuel. Pressure fluctuations in the air flow across the turbine blades and vanes cause high cycle fatigue, the primary source of component failure in gas turbines. A sensor that can properly measure pressure in this harsh environment would better detect local pressure fluctuations and aid in preventing high cycle fatigue. Although optical sensors successfully measure pressure in harsh environments, they are quite expensive, use fragile filaments, and are difficult to package.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a sensor that functions wirelessly and passively to detect both static and dynamic pressure in high-temperature environments. The sensor can apply to a variety of applications requiring pressure measurement in the presence of high temperatures, such as gas turbines, jet engines, or nuclear power generators.

Application

Passive wireless pressure sensor that maintains operation in extreme environments

Advantages

• Features components made of high-temperature compatible materials, allowing accurate pressure measurements even where temperatures exceed 1000°C
• Measures pressure in high-temperature environments without using optical sensors, decreasing costs by avoiding expensive materials and difficult packaging
• Requires minimal maintenance, reducing repair costs

Technology

This microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor is both passive, meaning no internal energy sources such as batteries are required, and wireless. A diaphragm on the sensor deflects either downward or upward based on the surrounding pressure. The sensor attaches to an area of interest and uses radio frequency electromagnetic signals to communicate the current pressure of the environment with a computer-based simulation that analyzes the signals to determine the area’s fluid flow. This sensor can determine both static and dynamic pressures and also can detect uncontrolled fluid flow early, preventing any damage to engines or other equipment.