Headband incorporates sensors which are embedded in sponges and are exposed only on surface that touches skin. Electrode sponge system is continually fed electrolyte through forced feed vacuum system. Headband may be used for EEG testing in hospitals, clinical laboratories, rest homes, and law enforcement agencies

Raggio, L. J.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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February 1973	 B73-10048 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Langley Research Center 	 Q*: 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Flexible Electroencephalogram (EEG) Headband 
Brain wave signals need to be monitored over 
extended time periods during artificial gravity testing 
in a rotational test facility. This necessity for con-
tinuously monitoring brain wave signals led to the 
development of a new method of applying sensors in a 
headband which eliminates pressure points and subject 
discomfort. 
Previously, needle electrodes or surface electrodes 
were mounted on solid holders. The needle electrodes 
caused discomfort, had higher skin resistance, and 
required sterilization. The surface electrodes were cum-
bersome to apply, slipped on the scalp, produced 
artifacts, and formed pressure points.
The redesigned headband, shown in the illustration, 
incorporates sensors which are embedded in sponges and 
are exposed only on the surface that touches the skin. 
Velcro is used to hold the sponges to the headband. The 
sponges act as flexible electrolyte storage reservoirs 
which contain potassium chloride as the electrical 
conducting medium for the brain wave sensors. Potassi-
um chloride is used because it has a higher conductivity 
than sodium chloride. The electrode sponge system is 
continually fed electrolyte through a forced feed vacuum 
system also built into the headband. 
The new EEG headband provides a more versatile 
device for brain wave monitoring and can be worn 
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S Flexible EEG Headband
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730000048 2020-03-17T06:41:15+00:00Z
comfortably for longer periods of time. This improved 
headband may be used for EEG testing in hospitals, 
clinical laboratories, rest homes, and law enforcement 
agencies. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Langley Research Center 
Mail Stop 139-A 
Hampton, Virginia 23365 
Reference: B73-10048
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: L. J. Raggio of

North American Rockwell Corp.

under contract to
Langley Research Center 
(LAR- 10927) 
B73-10048
	 Category 05


Flexible electroencephalogram (EEG) headband

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