US5404407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable hearing aid unit
Assignee: Sivantos GmbH
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Filing: 1994-06-29
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Granted: 1995-04-04
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Expires: 2014-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A programmable hearing aid is provided with a programming socket. A space-saving arrangement of switch elements is provided wherein a switch element for switching the hearing aid on/off, an MTO switch, a volume control, a tone control, a situation switch or the like can be introduced into the programming socket that is free except during the programming event.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans-Joachim Weiss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:24
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R25/00; H04R25/55; H04R25/556; H04R25/50; H04R25/502; H01; H01H; H01H2300/00; H01H2300/004; H04R2225/00; H04R2225/61; H04R25/60; H04R25/603; H04R25/607
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A programmable hearing aid unit, comprising: function parts including a current source, a microphone, an amplifier unit, an earphone, and a programming circuit arranged in a housing; electrical contacts for connecting the programming circuit to an external programming unit via a programming socket at the housing, said external programming unit supplying setting data to the programming circuit; and the programming socket having both programming contacts and a switch contact in addition to and separate from said programming contacts said programming socket accommodating a switch element when a programming plug is not plugged in the programming socket, said switch element connecting to said switch contact when accommodated in the programming socket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A programmable hearing aid unit, comprising: function parts including a current source, a microphone, an amplifier unit, an earphone, and a programming circuit arranged in a housing; electrical contacts for connecting the programming circuit to an external programming unit via a programming socket at the housing, said external programming unit supplying setting data to the programming circuit; and the programming socket having both programming contacts and a switch contact in addition to and separate from said programming contacts said programming socket accommodating a switch element when a programming plug is not plugged in the programming socket, said switch element connecting to said switch contact when accommodated in the programming socket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein the switch element is designed as one of the elements selected from a group consisting of an on/off switch, MTO switch, situation switch, tone control, volume control, and multi-function switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said switch element comprises a situation switch for setting transfer functions of the hearing aid unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said switch element comprises a push button.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said switch element comprises a toggle switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said switch element comprises a rotary switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said switch element comprises a potentiometer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A hearing aid unit according to claim 1 wherein said programming socket comprises a base for said switch element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
106 words
A programmable hearing aid unit, comprising: a housing having electronic circuitry for the hearing aid unit contained therein including a programming circuit; a socket on the housing connected to the programming circuit; and said socket receiving being adapted to receive a cable from an external programming unit which supplies setting data for the programming circuit or alternatively said socket accommodating a switch element which is plugged directly into the socket, said socket having programming contacts for connecting to said cable and a switch contact in addition to and separate from said programming contacts, said switch contact for connecting to said switch element to provide functioning thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
106 words
A programmable hearing aid unit, comprising: a housing having electronic circuitry for the hearing aid unit contained therein including a programming circuit; a socket on the housing connected to the programming circuit; and said socket receiving being adapted to receive a cable from an external programming unit which supplies setting data for the programming circuit or alternatively said socket accommodating a switch element which is plugged directly into the socket, said socket having programming contacts for connecting to said cable and a switch contact in addition to and separate from said programming contacts, said switch contact for connecting to said switch element to provide functioning thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-03 | 1998-10-03 | 1999-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-03 | 2002-10-03 | 2003-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-03 | 2006-10-03 | 2007-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |