The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 03, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 03, 1997
Henry Fletcher, Cameron Park, CA (US);
Richard C. Urso, Redwood City, CA (US);
Jorgen Sorensen, Tracy, CA (US);
Adnan Shennib, Fremont, CA (US);
Decibel Instruments, Inc., Fremont, CA (US);
Abstract
The invention provides a ball joint assembly for articulated hearing devices. The ball joint assembly acoustically and mechanically separates a receiver module, placed deeply within the ear canal near the tympanic membrane, from a main module, placed relatively distal to the tympanic membrane. The ball joint assembly allows for independent and free movement of the receiver module with respect to the main module. The ball joint assembly has a central axial conduit for conducting electrical wiring from the main module to the receiver module. The ball joint assembly has built in features to limit its range of motion to prevent damage to the wiring conducted within the ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly and range limiting features are essentially fully contained within the wall of the main housing, thus minimizing the size of the hearing device and allowing for a deep and comfortable placement within the ear canal.