US5047994A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Supersonic bone conduction hearing aid and method
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
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Filing: 1990-11-02
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Granted: 1991-09-10
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Expires: 2010-11-02
Abstract
Abstract A supersonic bone conduction hearing aid that receives conventional audiometric frequencies and converts them to supersonic frequencies for connection to the human sensory system by vibration bone conduction. The hearing is believed to use channels of communications to the brain that are not normally used for hearing. These alternative channels do not deteriorate significantly with age as does the normal hearing channels. The supersonic bone conduction frequencies are discerned as frequencies in the audiometric range of frequencies.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin L. Lenhardt
- 👤 Alex M. Clarke
- 👤 William Regelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:35
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R25/00; H04R25/60; H04R25/604; H04R25/606; H04R2460/00; H04R2460/13; H04R25/35; H04R25/353
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A supersonic hearing aid for echo location comprising: a source of supersonic sound for radiating to objects to be detected; two microphones adapted to be spaced apart for receiving said radiated supersonic sound waves when they are reflected from objects to be detected and converting said sounds to electrical signals; an amplifier for said electrical signals; and two transducers for converting said amplified supersonic electrical signals to supersonic vibration signals for connecting said supersonic vibration signals to the human sensory system on both the left side and right side of the head to assist in echo location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A supersonic hearing aid for echo location comprising: a source of supersonic sound for radiating to objects to be detected; two microphones adapted to be spaced apart for receiving said radiated supersonic sound waves when they are reflected from objects to be detected and converting said sounds to electrical signals; an amplifier for said electrical signals; and two transducers for converting said amplified supersonic electrical signals to supersonic vibration signals for connecting said supersonic vibration signals to the human sensory system on both the left side and right side of the head to assist in echo location.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3715577A
Cited
US4761770A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-09 | 1995-03-11 | 1995-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-03-11 | 1999-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-09 | 2003-03-11 | 2003-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |