Patent ID: 7212866

Claim:
A repeater for use with an implantable neural system, the repeater comprising: means for transmitting and receiving signals at a first frequency, wherein the first frequency is the frequency at which the implantable neural system is adapted to send and receive signals; means for transmitting and receiving signals at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency; a first coil ( 42 ) through which signals of the first frequency may be received from and sent to the implantable neural stimulator; an antenna ( 47 ) through which signals of the second frequency may be received from and sent to a remote unit, wherein the antenna is physically small; an antenna interface circuit ( 48 ), and wherein the antenna ( 47 ) is coupled to a second receiver circuit ( 41 ) and a second transmitter circuit ( 43 ) through the antenna interface circuit ( 48 ); and holding means for temporarily holding the repeater and the first coil ( 42 ) in alignment with the implantable neural system; wherein the means for transmitting and receiving signals at the first frequency comprises a first receiver circuit ( 46 ) and a first transmitter circuit ( 44 ), each of which is coupled to the first coil ( 42 ); wherein the means for transmitting and receiving signals at the second frequency comprises the second receiver circuit ( 41 ) and the second transmitter circuit ( 43 ), each of which is coupled to the antenna ( 47 ); and wherein the holding means comprises an ear hook adapted to fit over a user's ear, and wherein the repeater is mounted on the ear hook.