The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 08, 2005
Filed:
Aug. 31, 2001
Janusz A. Kuzma, Englewood, CO (US);
William Vanbrooks Harrison, Valencia, CA (US);
Albert A. Maltan, Stevenson Ranch, CA (US);
Janusz A. Kuzma, Englewood, CO (US);
William Vanbrooks Harrison, Valencia, CA (US);
Albert A. Maltan, Stevenson Ranch, CA (US);
Advanced Bionics Corporation, Valencia, CA (US);
Abstract
A method of making an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, includes the steps of: (a) forming electrode contact pieces made from a precious, biocompatible material into a desired shape; (b) attaching the electrode contact pieces to a foil sheet made from a non-toxic but chemically-active metal; (c) connecting a wiring system to the metal contact pieces; (d) molding a flexible polymer carrier around the electrode contact pieces and wiring system while such are held in place by the foil sheet; and (e) etching away the foil sheet, leaving the electrode contact pieces exposed at a surface of the molded polymer carrier. The exposed electrode contacts are made so as to have a shape, geometry, or makeup that aids in controlling the current flow and current density associated with the electrode contact as a function of position on the electrode contact.