US3764748A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implanted hearing aids
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-19
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Granted: 1973-10-09
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Expires: 1992-05-19
Abstract
Abstract Several hearing aid configurations for implantation within the middle ear cavity are disclosed. Each hearing aid is minute in size and is joined in operative relationship interiorly of the ear drum to the ossicle bone chain situated within the middle ear cavity. Each hearing aid is characterized by: (1) picking up or ''''reading'''' auditory signals off the ear drum, (2) subsequently amplifying and/or transmitting such signals directly to appropriate sound receiving mechanisms, natural or solid-state or both, located on the oval window, the round window, or the promontory leading into the inner ear, and (3) relying upon the automatic gain control (AGC) function performed by the tensors and flexors of the ossicle bone chain to prevent loud sounds from damaging the ear drum.
Inventors
- 👤 J Branch
- 👤 N Durham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:18
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R25/00; H04R25/60; H04R25/604; H04R25/606; A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/18; A61F2002/183; H04R2225/00; H04R2225/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An implantable, sound powered hearing aid comprising: a. transducer means positioned interiorly of the ear drum in proximity to the oval window within the middle ear cavity, b. said transducer means being pressure sensitive so as to generate a variable voltage output in response to the application of pressure thereto, c. stylus means secured to either the hammer, anvil or stirrup of the ossicle bone chain located in the middle ear cavity in operative relationship to said pressure sensitive transducer means, d. said stylus means being pressed against said transducer means by the ossicle bone chain with a variable force when sound strikes the ear drum to thereby produce a variable voltage, and e. conducting means to lead said variable voltage to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
An implantable, sound powered hearing aid comprising: a. transducer means positioned interiorly of the ear drum in proximity to the oval window within the middle ear cavity, b. said transducer means being pressure sensitive so as to generate a variable voltage output in response to the application of pressure thereto, c. stylus means secured to either the hammer, anvil or stirrup of the ossicle bone chain located in the middle ear cavity in operative relationship to said pressure sensitive transducer means, d. said stylus means being pressed against said transducer means by the ossicle bone chain with a variable force when sound strikes the ear drum to thereby produce a variable voltage, and e. conducting means to lead said variable voltage to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
a power sourCe for energizing the second microphone, and a
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
a power sourCe for energizing the second microphone, and a
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 1 further including a piezoelectric crystal positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means impressing said variable voltage upon said crystal to cause same to vibrate and thus stimulate the auditory nerve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
said sensor producing a variable voltage proportional to the intensity of the light beam falling thereupon,
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
said sensor producing a variable voltage proportional to the intensity of the light beam falling thereupon,
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
conducting means implanted in the mastoid bone to lead the variable voltage received by said coil to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
conducting means implanted in the mastoid bone to lead the variable voltage received by said coil to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
6 words
a stylus connected to said diaphragm,
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
6 words
a stylus connected to said diaphragm,
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
7 words
a power source for energizing said microphone,
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
amplifying means for increasing the voltage produced by said light responsive sensor, and
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
amplifying means for increasing the voltage produced by said light responsive sensor, and
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
crystalline device that vibrates in response to the voltage applied thereto by the second microphone, the vibrations being conducted through the mastoid bone to the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
crystalline device that vibrates in response to the voltage applied thereto by the second microphone, the vibrations being conducted through the mastoid bone to the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
a pressure sensitive transducer for producing a variable voltage in response to the application of pressure thereto, said stylus being positioned in operative relationship to said transducer,
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
a pressure sensitive transducer for producing a variable voltage in response to the application of pressure thereto, said stylus being positioned in operative relationship to said transducer,
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
11 words
an amplifying circuit for increasing the voltage produced by said microphone,
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
43 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 1 further including a diode positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means leading said variable voltage to said diode which rectifies same into pulsating D.C. voltage and thus stimulates the auditory nerve.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 2 further including an amplifying circuit connected between said pressure sensitive transducer means and said piezoelectric crystal, said amplifying circuit amplifying the variable voltage produced by said transducer means before said voltage is impressed upon said crystal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
a light emitting device connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for projecting a light beam of variable intensity, b. a receiving unit including:
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
a light emitting device connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for projecting a light beam of variable intensity, b. a receiving unit including:
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
a transmitting coil operatively connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for radiating an electromagnetic field of variable intensity, and b. a receiving unit including:
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
a transmitting coil operatively connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for radiating an electromagnetic field of variable intensity, and b. a receiving unit including:
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
49 words
said stylus being pressed against said transducer when the transmitting moves relative to the receiving means as sound energy strikes the ear drum to thereby produce a variable voltage, and c. conducting means to lead said variable voltage to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
said stylus being pressed against said transducer when the transmitting moves relative to the receiving means as sound energy strikes the ear drum to thereby produce a variable voltage, and c. conducting means to lead said variable voltage to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
a transmitting coil operatively connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for radiating an electromagnetic field of variable intensity, b. a receiving unit implanted in the mastoid bone surrounding the ear canal including:
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
37 words
a transmitting coil operatively connected to said microphone, said power source, and said amplifying circuit for radiating an electromagnetic field of variable intensity, b. a receiving unit implanted in the mastoid bone surrounding the ear canal including:
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
conducting means to lead the variable voltage produced by said sensor and said amplifying means to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
conducting means to lead the variable voltage produced by said sensor and said amplifying means to the area of the oval window to electrically stimulate same.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 2 further including an auxiliary power supply, connected to said piezoelectric crystal, to impress its voltage thereupon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 5 further including a tuning circuit connected between said pressure sensitive transducer means and said piezoelectric cryStal and in operative relationship to said power supply, said tuning circuit adjusting the frequency at which said crystal will vibrate.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
88 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 5 further including recharging means for said auxiliary power supply, said recharging means comprising a button under the skin of the wearer of the hearing aid, a stylus secured to said button, and a pressure sensitive transducer means situated in operative relationship to said transducer means, said transducer means connected to said auxiliary power supply to supply a variable voltage thereto, said button being manually depressed to press the stylus against the transducer means whenever said auxiliary power supply requires recharging.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 2 wherein said stylus means comprises a piezoelectric bar with a pin extending outwardly therefrom.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
50 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 8 wherein said piezoelectric bar produces a variable voltage as said bar is stressed when sound striking the ear drum is transmitted through the ossicle bone chain, and circuit means for amplifying the variable voltage before applying same to the oval window area.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
46 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 1 wherein the transducer means are held in a rectangular package, said package being positioned in the opening of the stapes of said ossicle bone chain with one corner of the package bearing against the footplate of the stapes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
67 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 1 further including a resilient fluid filled sack interposed between the ossicle bone chain and the area of the oval window and a piezoelectric crystal disposed thereupon, said conducting means impressing said variable voltage produced by said pressure sensitive device upon said crystal which vibrates atop the sack and transmits said vibrations therethrough to the area of the oval window.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 11 further including a collar situated atop said transducer means, said collar engaging the free end of the anvil of the ossicle bone chain.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 1 wherein said transducer means and said stylus means are slipped between the joint formed by the anvil and stirrup of the ossicle bone chain.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
An implanted hearing aid comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
An implanted hearing aid comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
42 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 14 further including a piezoelectric crystal positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means impressing said variable voltage upon said crystal to cause same to vibrate and thus stimulate the auditory nerve.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
43 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 14 further including a diode positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means leading said variable voltage to said diode which rectifies same into pulsating D.C. voltage and thus stimulates the auditory nerve.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
64 words
An improved hearing aid comprising: a. transmitting means secured to the inner surface of the eardrum in the area of the junction defined by the hammer and the ear drum, said transmitting means radiating magnetic waves into the middle ear cavity, b. receiving means situated within the middle ear cavity on the promontory in the area of the oval window, said receiving means including:
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
64 words
An improved hearing aid comprising: a. transmitting means secured to the inner surface of the eardrum in the area of the junction defined by the hammer and the ear drum, said transmitting means radiating magnetic waves into the middle ear cavity, b. receiving means situated within the middle ear cavity on the promontory in the area of the oval window, said receiving means including:
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The hearing aid of claim 17 wherein the transmitting means is a permanent magnet.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The hearing aid of claim 17 wherein the transmitting means is a fragment of phosphor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 17 wherein the transmitting means is a radioactive isotope.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 17 wherein the magnetically responsive means is a field-effect transistor gate.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 17 wherein the magnetically responsive means is a Hall-effect element.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 17 further including a piezoelectric crystal positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means impressing said variable voltage upon said crystal to cause same to vibrate and thus stimulate the auditory nerve.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
43 words
The hearing aid as defined in claim 17 further including a diode positioned in the area of the oval window, said conducting means leading said variable voltage to said diode which rectifies same into pulsating D.C. voltage and thus stimulates the auditory nerve.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
An implanted hearing aid comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
An implanted hearing aid comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
An implanted hearing aid for the treatment of tinnitus comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
An implanted hearing aid for the treatment of tinnitus comprising: a. a transmitting unit encased in a housing and positioned within the ear canal, said transmitting unit including:
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |