Patents by Inventor Erwin Hochmair

Erwin Hochmair has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10953232
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) telemetry arrangement and process for a cochlear implant system are described. Electrode current is measured that is induced in a cochlear implant electrode lead during an MRI process performed on an implanted patient. An MRI telemetry signal for an external telemetry sensor is then output based on the measured electrode current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20180353761
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) telemetry arrangement and process for a cochlear implant system are described. Electrode current is measured that is induced in a cochlear implant electrode lead during an MRI process performed on an implanted patient. An MRI telemetry signal for an external telemetry sensor is then output based on the measured electrode current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventor: Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: 9113268
    Abstract: An implantable floating mass transducer is described for a hearing implant system in an implant patient. A cylindrical transducer housing contains a cylindrical inner mass magnet having an inner magnetic field with a first field direction. One or more signal drive coils are on the outer housing surface for conducting a transducer drive signal current to produce a signal magnetic field that interacts with the inner magnetic field to create vibration of the inner mass magnet which is coupled by the transducer housing to the internal hearing structure for sound perception by the implant patient. A ring-shape outer offset magnet is positioned around the outer housing surface with an outer magnetic field having a second field direction opposite to the first field direction so as to offset the inner magnetic field to minimize their combined magnetic field and thereby minimize magnetic interaction of the transducer with any external magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Erwin Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20140321681
    Abstract: An implantable floating mass transducer is described for a hearing implant system in an implant patient. A cylindrical transducer housing contains a cylindrical inner mass magnet having an inner magnetic field with a first field direction. One or more signal drive coils are on the outer housing surface for conducting a transducer drive signal current to produce a signal magnetic field that interacts with the inner magnetic field to create vibration of the inner mass magnet which is coupled by the transducer housing to the internal hearing structure for sound perception by the implant patient. A ring-shape outer offset magnet is positioned around the outer housing surface with an outer magnetic field having a second field direction opposite to the first field direction so as to offset the inner magnetic field to minimize their combined magnetic field and thereby minimize magnetic interaction of the transducer with any external magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Erwin Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20140094874
    Abstract: An implant includes a humidity sensor for generating a signal indicative of humidity within the implant. A controller within the implant receives the signal indicative of humidity, and controls the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Ingeborg Hochmair, Erwin Hochmair, Martin J. Kerber, Werner Lindenthaler, Peter Nopp, Marcus Schmidt, Hansjörg Schösser, Clemens M. Zierhofer
  • Patent number: 8620444
    Abstract: An implant includes a humidity sensor for generating a signal indicative of humidity within the implant. A controller within the implant receives the signal indicative of humidity, and controls the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Ingeborg Hochmair, Erwin Hochmair, Martin Kerber, Werner Lindenthaler, Peter Nopp, Marcus Schmidt, Hansjörg Schoesser, Clemens Zierhofer
  • Patent number: 8565900
    Abstract: A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
  • Patent number: 8363867
    Abstract: A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
  • Patent number: 8118725
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20110224756
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: 7976453
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20100104121
    Abstract: A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
  • Patent number: 7657045
    Abstract: A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
  • Publication number: 20100004716
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: 7587246
    Abstract: An implant for implantation into a person. The implant includes a hermetically sealed housing enclosing electrical circuitry. A first coil is flexibly coupled to the housing such that the first coil is external to the housing and capable of being repositioned relative to the housing. The first coil is capable, after being implanted in the person, of being arranged adjacent a second coil of a remote device, such that first coil and the second coil are inductively coupled. The first coil may be adapted to receive at least one of a power signal and a data signal from a remote source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektronedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hochmair, Ingeborg Hochmair
  • Patent number: 7566296
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: RE45701
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: RE46057
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: RE46624
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair
  • Patent number: RE48647
    Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Erwin Hochmair