Neural bridge devices and methods for restoring and modulating neural activity

Abstract

The neural bridge devices may be implanted between the endings of severed or damaged nerve cells. The operation of these devices may facilitate restoring conductivity of neural signals or responses within severed or damaged nerve cells. The neural bridge device may also facilitate restoring the movement of cell material between the endings of severed or damaged nerve cells. Some neural bridge devices may carry MEMS devices and may be employed for modifying various neural signals or responses, wherein the devices adjust neural responses in accordance with the desired signals received from other similar devices or communicated to them by other types of devices.

1 . A device for connecting endings of nerve cells and conducting: neural signals, said device comprising:
 a housing for conducting and modulating neural response, said housing having a first end, a second end and a cavity, wherein said first end of said housing has a plurality of openings and said second end of said housing has a plurality of openings;   at least one generator mechanism positioned within said cavity of said housing, wherein each said generator mechanism generates electric current; and   a plurality of conductors for collecting current from said generator mechanism, wherein each of said plurality of conductors attach to a nerve ending.   
   
   
       2 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein at least a first and a second of said plurality of openings on either said first end of said housing or said second end of said housing are of dissimilar size and shape. 
   
   
       3 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings on said first end of said housing is connected to a hollow tubular extension having a cavity and at least one of said openings on the said second end of said housing is connected to a hollow tubular extension having a cavity. 
   
   
       4 . The device as in  claim 3 , wherein said hollow tubular extension on said first end of said housing is connected to said hollow tubular extension on said second end of said housing creating a microfluid channel. 
   
   
       5 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said first end of said housing is connected to a primary end of a severed nerve and said second end of said housing is connected to a secondary end of a severed nerve. 
   
   
       6 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said housing is composed of electrostatic plastic material. 
   
   
       7 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of conductors for collecting current from said generator mechanism are composed of polyacetylene. 
   
   
       8 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one generator mechanism produces at least 7 mV-60 mV. 
   
   
       9 . The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said device conducts and modulates nerve signals from said first end of said housing to said second end of said housing. 
   
   
       10 . A device for connecting endings of nerve cells and conducting neural signals, comprising:
 a housing for conducting and modulating neural response, said housing having a first end, a second end and a cavity, wherein said first end of said housing has a plurality of openings and said second end of said housing has a plurality of openings;   at least one generator mechanism positioned within said cavity of said housing, wherein said generator mechanism generates electric current; and   a plurality of conductors for collecting current from said generator mechanism, wherein said plurality of conductors attach to a nerve ending.   
   
   
       11 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein at least a first and a second of said plurality of openings on either said first end of said housing or said second end of said housing are of dissimilar size and shape. 
   
   
       12 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein at least one of said openings on said first end of said housing is connected to a hollow tubular extension having a cavity and at least one of said openings on the said second end of said housing is connected to a hollow tubular extension having a cavity. 
   
   
       13 . The device as in  claim 12 , wherein said hollow tubular extension on said first end of said housing is connected to said hollow tubular extension on said second end of said housing creating a microfluid channel. 
   
   
       14 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein said first end of said housing is connected to a primary end of a severed nerve and said second end of said housing is connected to a secondary end of a severed nerve. 
   
   
       15 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein said housing is composed of electrostatic plastic material. 
   
   
       16 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein the number of hollow tubular extensions on said first end of said housing is not equal to the number of extensions on said second end of said housing. 
   
   
       17 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein said plurality of conductors for collecting current from said generator mechanism are composed of polyacetylene. 
   
   
       18 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein said at least one generator mechanism produces at least 7 mV-60 mV. 
   
   
       19 . The device as in  claim 10 , wherein said device conducts and modulates nerve signals from said first end to said second end. 
   
   
       20 . A device as in  claim 10 , said device further comprising:
 at least one central processing unit positioned inside said housing;   at least one electronic memory storage in communication with said central processing unit;   at least one sensor for measuring nerve signals in communication with said electronic memory storage and said central processing unit;   at least one modifier for modifying said device response to nerve signals in communication with said central processing unit; and   at least one electronic integrated circuit in communication with said central processing unit, said electronic memory storage, said sensor, and said modifier.