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:
Mar. 19, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 29, 1999
Peter G. Berrang, Victoria, CA;
Henry V. Bluger, Victoria, CA;
Stacey D. Jarvin, Brentwood Bay, CA;
Alan J. Lupin, Victoria, CA;
Epic Biosonics Inc., Victoria, CA;
Abstract
A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. Said prosthesis is designed to function for hours or days without any external components. An externally-activated subcutaneous pressure switch enables the user to adjust the perceived volume by pressing against the skin with a finger. A similar second pressure switch provides a safety “off/on” feature. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. A titanium encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala. Periodic charging of the implanted battery (contained within one of the housing sections) is required, such charging accomplished via an external mechanically held head-mounted device containing an external coil, said external coil inductively coupling electrical power to an implanted receiving coil. The external and implanted coils can also be used as a communication link to program the implanted electronics.