Method of making an incontinence electrode
AssigneeEmpi, Inc.
InventorsDonald D. Maurer, Alexander Kipnis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.
Claims12
A method of making an electrode, the method comprising:
- molding bands of conductive polymer such that each band of conductive polymer includes an interior surface and an exterior surface;
- spacing four of the conductive polymer bands to achieve a spacing between each of the four bands in the range of 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch;
- molding nonconductive polymer between the spaced conductive bands to form a resilient hollow cylindrical electrode body having a first end and a second end;
- connecting the conductive polymer bands to electrical leads;
- and
- sealing the first end and the second end of the electrode body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.