Bone conducting floating mass transducers

Patent 5913815 Issued on June 22, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 6, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3594514

3712962

3752939

3764748

3870832

3882285

Implantable electronic hearing aid
Patent #: 4063048
Issued on: 12/13/1977
Inventor: Kissiah, Jr.

Piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer
Patent #: 4063049
Issued on: 12/13/1977
Inventor: Pipitone , et al.

Magnetic transcutaneous mount for external device of an associated implant
Patent #: 4352960
Issued on: 10/05/1982
Inventor: Dormer , et al.

System for enhancing auditory stimulation and the like
Patent #: 4357497
Issued on: 11/02/1982
Inventor: Hochmair , et al.

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Inventors

Assignee

Symphonix Devices, Inc.

Application

No. 568006 filed on 12/06/1995

US Classes:

600/25SURGICALLY IMPLANTED VIBRATORY HEARING AID

Examiners

Primary: Lacyk, John P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP

International Class

H04R 025/00

Abstract

A floating mass transducer for assisting hearing in a person is provided. Inertial vibration in the floating mass transducer (100) produces vibrations in the inner ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is attached to bone within the middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The floating mass transducer may generate vibrations in the inner ear by being attached to the skull or through a mouthpiece.

Other References

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