Hearing aid design
    1.
    发明授权
    Hearing aid design 失效
    助听器设计

    公开(公告)号:US07853033B2

    公开(公告)日:2010-12-14

    申请号:US11752196

    申请日:2007-05-22

    IPC分类号: H04R25/00

    摘要: A hearing aid module is shaped for insertion into a tunnel made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space with the ear canal. The hearing aid module contains a speaker or auditory transducer, a battery or other power source powering the module, signal processing circuitry, a microphone, and a hollow tube which contains a steroid or drug. Telemetry circuitry within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit. A remote control unit permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone (frequency) control.

    摘要翻译: 助听器模块被成形为插入到通过将耳环空间与耳道连接的软组织制成的隧道中。 助听器模块包含扬声器或听觉换能器,为模块供电的电池或其它电源,信号处理电路,麦克风和含有类固醇或药物的中空管。 模块内的遥测电路允许使用外部编程单元对信号处理电路进行所需的频率响应或信号处理策略的编程。 遥控单元允许用户进行简单的调节,例如音量和/或音调(频率)控制。

    Objective programming and operation of a Cochlear implant based on measured evoked potentials that precede the stapedius reflex
    2.
    发明授权
    Objective programming and operation of a Cochlear implant based on measured evoked potentials that precede the stapedius reflex 有权
    基于在吻合反射之前测量的诱发电位的人工耳蜗的客观编程和操作

    公开(公告)号:US06415185B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-07-02

    申请号:US09376882

    申请日:1999-08-18

    申请人: Albert A. Maltan

    发明人: Albert A. Maltan

    IPC分类号: A61N136

    CPC分类号: A61N1/36036 A61N1/37235

    摘要: A myogenic-based evoked response (termed the “MER” for purposes of this application), heretofore considered an undesirable artifact in response to an applied Cochlear stimulus, is deliberately sensed and measured with permanently implanted electrodes connected to a Cochlear implant device. The measured MER is then used to assist in the objective programming of the Cochlear implant. The MER may be measured between two intra-Cochlear electrodes, between one intra-Cochlear electrode and one extra-Cochlear reference electrode, or between two extra-Cochlear electrodes. Because the measured MER is believed to pre-empt the actual stapedius reflex, the electrodes need not be placed into or in close proximity to the stapedial tendon, the stapes, or the facial nerve.

    摘要翻译: 迄今为止,考虑到对应用的耳蜗刺激的不良假象,故意地感测并测量了连接到耳蜗植入装置的永久注入的电极的基于肌原性的诱发反应(本申请的目的称为“MER”)。 然后使用测量的MER来辅助人工耳蜗植入物的目标编程。 可以在两个耳蜗间电极之间,一个耳蜗内电极和一个额外的耳蜗参考电极之间或两个耳蜗外电极之间测量MER。 因为所测量的MER被认为是预先排除了实际的吻合反射,所以电极不需要放置在或者靠近吻合肌腱,镫骨或面神经。

    Hearing aid design
    3.
    发明授权
    Hearing aid design 失效
    助听器设计

    公开(公告)号:US06786860B2

    公开(公告)日:2004-09-07

    申请号:US10264962

    申请日:2002-10-03

    IPC分类号: H04R2500

    摘要: A hearing aid module (60) is shaped for insertion into a tunnel (40) made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space (50) with the ear canal (30). A hollow tube (44) may first be chronically or acutely implanted in such tunnel, and the hearing aid module inserted into the tube. The tube or hearing aid module may have a coating (45) containing a steroid or drug adapted to minimize infection and/or inflammation. The hearing aid module contains a speaker (65), a battery or other power source (66) powering the module, signal processing circuitry (67), and a microphone (63). Telemetry circuitry (69) within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit (74). A remote control unit (75) permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone control.

    摘要翻译: 助听器模块(60)被成形为用于插入通过将耳蜗空间(50)与耳道(30)连接的软组织制成的隧道(40)中。 首先中空管(44)可以长期或急性地植入这样的隧道中,并且将助听器模块插入管中。 管或助听器模块可以具有包含适于使感染和/或炎症最小化的类固醇或药物的涂层(45)。 助听器模块包括为模块供电的扬声器(65),电池或其他电源(66),信号处理电路(67)和麦克风(63)。 模块内的遥测电路(69)允许信号处理电路使用外部编程单元(74)以所需的频率响应或信号处理策略进行编程。 遥控单元(75)允许用户进行简单的调节,例如音量和/或音调控制。

    Hearing aid design
    4.
    发明授权
    Hearing aid design 失效
    助听器设计

    公开(公告)号:US07224815B2

    公开(公告)日:2007-05-29

    申请号:US10932813

    申请日:2004-09-01

    IPC分类号: H04R25/00

    摘要: A hearing aid module is shaped for insertion into a tunnel made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space with the ear canal. The hearing aid module contains a speaker or auditory transducer, a battery or other power source powering the module, signal processing circuitry, and a microphone. Telemetry circuitry within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit. A remote control unit permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone (frequency) control.

    摘要翻译: 助听器模块被成形为插入到通过将耳环空间与耳道连接的软组织制成的隧道中。 助听器模块包括扬声器或听觉换能器,为模块供电的电池或其他电源,信号处理电路和麦克风。 模块内的遥测电路允许使用外部编程单元对信号处理电路进行所需的频率响应或信号处理策略的编程。 遥控单元允许用户进行简单的调节,例如音量和/或音调(频率)控制。

    Method of making a cochlear electrode array having current-focusing and tissue-treating features
    5.
    发明授权
    Method of making a cochlear electrode array having current-focusing and tissue-treating features 有权
    制造具有电流聚焦和组织处理特征的耳蜗电极阵列的方法

    公开(公告)号:US06862805B1

    公开(公告)日:2005-03-08

    申请号:US09945304

    申请日:2001-08-31

    IPC分类号: A61N1/05 H01R43/00

    摘要: A method of making an implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, includes the steps of: (a) forming electrode contact pieces made from a precious, biocompatible material into a desired shape; (b) attaching the electrode contact pieces to a foil sheet made from a non-toxic but chemically-active metal; (c) connecting a wiring system to the metal contact pieces; (d) molding a flexible polymer carrier around the electrode contact pieces and wiring system while such are held in place by the foil sheet; and (e) etching away the foil sheet, leaving the electrode contact pieces exposed at a surface of the molded polymer carrier. The exposed electrode contacts are made so as to have a shape, geometry, or makeup that aids in controlling the current flow and current density associated with the electrode contact as a function of position on the electrode contact.

    摘要翻译: 制造适于插入耳蜗的可植入电极阵列的方法包括以下步骤:(a)将由珍贵的生物相容性材料制成的电极接触片形成为期望的形状; (b)将电极接触片连接到由无毒但化学活性金属制成的箔片上; (c)将布线系统连接到金属接触片上; (d)在电极接触片和布线系统周围形成柔性聚合物载体,同时通过箔片保持在适当位置; 和(e)蚀刻掉箔片,留下电极接触片露出在模制聚合物载体的表面。 暴露的电极触点被制成为具有形状,几何形状或组合,其有助于控制与电极接触相关联的电流和电流密度作为电极接触件上的位置的函数。

    Cochlear Implant Sound Processor With Permanently Integrated Replenishable Power Source
    6.
    发明申请
    Cochlear Implant Sound Processor With Permanently Integrated Replenishable Power Source 有权
    耳蜗植入式声音处理器,具有永久集成的可补充电源

    公开(公告)号:US20080228243A1

    公开(公告)日:2008-09-18

    申请号:US12040888

    申请日:2008-03-01

    IPC分类号: A61N1/36

    CPC分类号: A61N1/36036 H04R2225/31

    摘要: A cochlear implant sound processor is powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently integrated into the sound processor. The sound processor contains an inductive coil that may be tuned to an external charging coil for battery recharging. The electronic circuits and coil of the sound processor are housed in a material transparent to RF signals. The sound processor may be placed in a recharging base station in which the sound processor is positioned in a space surrounded by the inductive charging coil embedded in a material transparent to RF signals. The inductive charging coil sends power to the coil inside the processor and thereby recharges the battery. An alternative embodiment utilizes contacts in the sound processor case and aligned terminals in the recharging base station that allow direct charging of the battery.

    摘要翻译: 耳蜗种植体声音处理器由永久地集成到声音处理器中的可再充电电池供电。 声音处理器包含一个感应线圈,可以调谐到一个外部充电线圈,用于电池充电。 声音处理器的电子电路和线圈被容纳在对RF信号透明的材料中。 声音处理器可以放置在充电基站中,其中声音处理器位于由嵌入在对于RF信号透明的材料中的感应充电线圈包围的空间中。 感应充电线圈向处理器内的线圈供电,从而为电池充电。 替代实施例利用声音处理器壳体中的触点和充电基站中对准的端子,其允许电池的直接充电。

    Zinc air battery and its uses
    7.
    发明授权
    Zinc air battery and its uses 失效
    锌空气电池及其用途

    公开(公告)号:US06879855B2

    公开(公告)日:2005-04-12

    申请号:US10117570

    申请日:2002-04-05

    摘要: The invention is a method for increasing the airflow to a zinc-air battery such that the energy density is 500 mwh/cc to 1000 mwh/cc. This allows 8 to 16 hours use as a primary (throw-away) battery, with, for example, high-duty cycle, high-drain cochlear implants, and neuromuscular stimulators for nerves, muscles, and both nerves and muscles together. The systems incorporating the high energy density source are also part of the invention, as well as the resulting apparatus of the method. The uses of this inexpensive, i.e., a $1.00 per day, throw-away primary battery are new uses of the modified zinc-air battery and are directed toward helping people hear again, walk again, and regain body functionality which they have otherwise lost permanently.

    摘要翻译: 本发明是一种增加对锌 - 空气电池的气流使得能量密度为500mwh / cc至1000mwh / cc的方法。 这允许使用8至16小时作为主要(丢弃)电池,例如,高功率循环,高排水耳蜗植入物和用于神经,肌肉以及神经和肌肉的神经肌肉刺激器。 结合高能量密度源的系统也是本发明的一部分,以及所得到的该方法的装置。 这种廉价的使用,即每天1.00美元的扔掉的一次电池是改进的锌空气电池的新用途,并且旨在帮助人们再次听到,再次行走,并重新获得永久性地失去的身体功能 。

    Cochlear electrode array having current-focusing and tissue-treating features
    8.
    发明授权
    Cochlear electrode array having current-focusing and tissue-treating features 有权
    具有电流聚焦和组织处理特征的耳蜗电极阵列

    公开(公告)号:US06304787B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-10-16

    申请号:US09375424

    申请日:1999-08-17

    IPC分类号: A61N136

    CPC分类号: A61N1/0541

    摘要: An implantable electrode array, adapted for insertion into a cochlea, provides a multiplicity of exposed electrode contacts, each having a shape, geometry, or makeup that aids in controlling the current flow and current density associated with the electrode contact as a function of position on the electrode contact. In one embodiment, the shape or geometry of the exposed electrode contact controls the contact surface of the electrode contact in a way that varies the current flow and current density as a function of surface area position on the electrode, thereby focusing most of the current to flow through the center of the electrode contact. In another embodiment, the electrode contact is coated with a dielectric or other material that controls the surface contact impedance as a function of distance from the center of the electrode, again focusing most of the current flow through the center of the electrode contact. In yet a further embodiment, the exposed electrode contact surface area is masked with an insulator to prevent conduction of current at various locations on the surface of the electrode contact. Separately, or in combination with any of the above embodiments, the exposed electrode contact surface and/or the entire electrode array may be coated with a selected substance or drug compound that diffuses into the tissue and liquids surrounding the electrode. Such substance or drug compound is selected to elicit a desired result, e.g., to inhibit fibrous tissue or bone growth in the vicinity of the electrode contacts; to promote healing of damaged tissue in the region of the electrode contacts, to prevent neural degeneration, or to promote neural regeneration.

    摘要翻译: 适于插入耳蜗的可植入电极阵列提供多个暴露的电极触点,其各自具有形状,几何形状或组合,其有助于控制与电极接触相关联的电流流动和电流密度作为位置的函数 电极接触。 在一个实施例中,暴露的电极接触件的形状或几何形状以电极流动和电流密度作为电极上的表面积位置的函数来控制电极接触件的接触表面,从而将大部分电流聚焦到 流过电极接触点的中心。 在另一个实施例中,电极接触件涂覆有电介质或其它材料,其控制作为距电极中心的距离的函数的表面接触阻抗,再次将电流大部分流经电极接触的中心。 在又一个实施例中,暴露的电极接触表面区域被绝缘体掩蔽,以防止在电极接触表面上的各个位置的电流传导。 单独地或与任何上述实施例组合,暴露的电极接触表面和/或整个电极阵列可以涂覆有扩散到组织中的选定物质或药物化合物和电极周围的液体。 选择这样的物质或药物化合物以引出期望的结果,例如抑制电极接触附近的纤维组织或骨生长; 促进电极接触区域受损组织的愈合,防止神经变性,或促进神经再生。

    Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source
    9.
    发明授权
    Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source 有权
    耳蜗植入式声音处理器,具有永久集成的可补充电源

    公开(公告)号:US08155746B2

    公开(公告)日:2012-04-10

    申请号:US12040888

    申请日:2008-03-01

    IPC分类号: A61N1/36

    CPC分类号: A61N1/36036 H04R2225/31

    摘要: A cochlear implant sound processor is powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently integrated into the sound processor. The sound processor contains an inductive coil that may be tuned to an external charging coil for battery recharging. The electronic circuits and coil of the sound processor are housed in a material transparent to RF signals. The sound processor may be placed in a recharging base station in which the sound processor is positioned in a space surrounded by the inductive charging coil embedded in a material transparent to RF signals. The inductive charging coil sends power to the coil inside the processor and thereby recharges the battery. An alternative embodiment utilizes contacts in the sound processor case and aligned terminals in the recharging base station that allow direct charging of the battery.

    摘要翻译: 耳蜗种植体声音处理器由永久地集成到声音处理器中的可再充电电池供电。 声音处理器包含一个感应线圈,可以调谐到一个外部充电线圈,用于电池充电。 声音处理器的电子电路和线圈被容纳在对RF信号透明的材料中。 声音处理器可以放置在充电基站中,其中声音处理器位于由嵌入在对于RF信号透明的材料中的感应充电线圈包围的空间中。 感应充电线圈向处理器内的线圈供电,从而为电池充电。 替代实施例利用声音处理器壳体中的触点和充电基站中对准的端子,其允许电池的直接充电。

    Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source
    10.
    发明授权
    Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source 有权
    耳蜗植入式声音处理器,具有永久集成的可补充电源

    公开(公告)号:US07349741B2

    公开(公告)日:2008-03-25

    申请号:US10675375

    申请日:2003-09-30

    IPC分类号: A61N1/05

    CPC分类号: A61N1/36036 H04R2225/31

    摘要: A cochlear implant sound processor is powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently integrated into the sound processor. The sound processor contains an inductive coil that may be tuned to an external charging coil for battery recharging. The electronic circuits and coil of the sound processor are housed in a material transparent to RF signals. The sound processor may be placed in a recharging base station in which the sound processor is positioned in a space surrounded by the inductive charging coil embedded in a material transparent to RF signals. The inductive charging coil sends power to the coil inside the processor and thereby recharges the battery. An alternative embodiment utilizes contacts in the sound processor case and aligned terminals in the recharging base station that allow direct charging of the battery.

    摘要翻译: 耳蜗种植体声音处理器由永久地集成到声音处理器中的可再充电电池供电。 声音处理器包含一个感应线圈,可以调谐到一个外部充电线圈,用于电池充电。 声音处理器的电子电路和线圈被容纳在对RF信号透明的材料中。 声音处理器可以放置在充电基站中,其中声音处理器位于由嵌入在对于RF信号透明的材料中的感应充电线圈包围的空间中。 感应充电线圈向处理器内的线圈供电,从而为电池充电。 替代实施例利用声音处理器壳体中的触点和充电基站中对准的端子,其允许电池的直接充电。