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. 05, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 24, 2003
Kai Kroll, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Ann M. Gronda, New Brighton, MN (US);
Mike Schugt, St. Paul, MN (US);
Kai Kroll, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Ann M. Gronda, New Brighton, MN (US);
Mike Schugt, St. Paul, MN (US);
St. Croix Medical, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A method for creating a coupling between an implantable device, such as a transducer, and a structure of the ear, such as an ossicle, in an implantable hearing assistance device. The coupling permits slip between the device and the structure and provides a neutral load. The device is positioned such that it either lightly touches or is positioned away from the structure. In one embodiment, the surface of the device or the structure is cleaned while the remaining surface, that is, the surface not cleaned, is coated with a solution. An adhesive material is applied between the device and the structure. The solution prevents a bond from forming at that interface while a bond forms at the remaining surface. Alternatively, a compliant adhesive may be used. In another embodiment, the surface of the device is coated with a gel, the gel optionally being covered with a metallic foil.