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 method of restoring nerve signals, comprising:
 securing a first end of a neural bridge device to the primary end of severed nerve cell; and   securing a second end of a neural bridge device to the secondary end of a severed nerve cell.   
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of modulating the nerve signal. 
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein said step of modulating a nerve signal is further comprised of the steps of:
 communicating desired signals to said neural device; and   modifying said received nerve signals by said neural bridge device based on said communicated signals;   
   
   
       4 . A method of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of said devices secured into nerve cells. 
   
   
       5 . A method of  claim 3 , wherein said device communicates nerve signals outside a nerve cell. 
   
   
       6 . A method of  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of said devices communicate with each other. 
   
   
       7 . A method of  claim 3 , wherein said step of modifying received nerve signals occurs outside a particular nerve cell containing said device. 
   
   
       8 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said neural bridge device is 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.   
   
   
       9 . A device for connecting endings of nerve cells and conducting neural signals, said device comprising:
 at least a portion of a first neural bridge device in communication with a first nerve ending;   at least a portion of a second neural bridge device in communication with a second nerve ending; and   at least one hollow microtube having a cavity wherein said microtube connects at least one said extension on said second end of said first device with at least one said extension on said second end of said second device.   
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said first device in the first end of said housing is placed with the side having ion-guiding channels toward the first nerve ending and said second device in the second end of said housing is placed with the side having ion-guiding channels toward the second nerve ending. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said microtube is composed of plastic material. 
   
   
       12 . A device for connecting endings of nerve cells and conducting neural signals, comprising:
 a first neural device is positioned in first nerve ending;   a second neural device is located in second nerve ending; and   at least one hollow microtube having a cavity wherein said microtube connects at least one said extension on said second end of said first device with at least one said extension on said second end of said second device.   
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said first device in the first end of said housing is placed with the side having ion-guiding channels toward the first nerve ending and said second device in the second end of said housing is placed with the side having ion-guiding channels toward the second nerve ending. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said microtube is composed of plastic material. 
   
   
       15 . A method as in  claim 12 , wherein at least one said neural bridge device is 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.