Patents Assigned to Cochlear Limited
  • Advanced management of an implantable sound management system
    Patent number: 10225666
    Abstract: A hearing prosthesis, including an implantable microphone, and a sound management system, wherein the hearing prosthesis is configured to set an operational parameter of the sound management system based on input from a microphone external to the recipient of the implantable microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Bastiaan Van Dijk, Wilson Kun Hao Fung, Mark Alan Von Huben
  • Tinnitus masking in hearing prostheses
    Patent number: 10225671
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for providing tinnitus relief to recipients of a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, a hearing prosthesis comprises a tinnitus relief system that is configured to generate a tinnitus masker signal that comprises a plurality of discrete (separate) components. The tinnitus relief system is configured to inject the components of the tinnitus masker signal directly into a sound processing path so that the masker components are combined with different processed portions of a channelized sound signal. The channelized sound signal and the components of the tinnitus masker signal are used to generate one or more output signals for use in compensation of a hearing loss of a recipient of the hearing prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Michael Goorevich, Phyu Phyu Khing, Matthijs Johannes Petrus Killian, Bastiaan Van Dijk
  • Integrity evaluation system in an implantable hearing prosthesis
    Patent number: 10220201
    Abstract: An implantable hearing prosthesis, comprising an integrated integrity system. The integrity system is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis, to evaluate the integrity of the prosthesis based on the measurements, and to perform at least one diagnostic operation based on the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Herbert Mauch, Peter Seligman, Barry Nevison, Paul Carter
  • Configuration of hearing prosthesis sound processor based on control signal characterization of audio
    Patent number: 10219081
    Abstract: A method including receiving by a hearing prosthesis, from a device external to the hearing prosthesis, both audio content outputted by the device external to the hearing prosthesis and configurable prosthesis data outputted by the device external to the hearing prosthesis, the configurable prosthesis data being data usable by the prosthesis to configure itself to operate in a given manner and responsive to receipt of the configuration data, the hearing prosthesis automatically configuring a sound processor of the hearing prosthesis in a manner based at least in part on the configurable prosthesis data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Yves Wernaers, Paul Carter
  • Epidermal down-growth barrier
    Patent number: 10206820
    Abstract: A percutaneous implant for reducing the risk of post-implant infection by reducing the likelihood of epidermal down-growth between the dermis of the skin and the implant. In one example, the implant comprises a barrier member between the epidermis and the dermis about the implant. In another example, a barrier is provided by removing a portion of the epidermis from the dermis about the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Marcus Andersson
  • Wireless communication in an implantable medical device system
    Patent number: 10207117
    Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for the transfer of isochronous stimulation data over a standardized isochronous audio or data link between components of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, as described further below, a first component is configured to generate dynamic stimulation data based on one or more received sound signals. The first component is configured to obtain static configuration data and to encode the dynamic stimulation data and the static configuration data into a series of isochronous wireless packets. The first component is configured to transmit the series of wireless packets over an isochronous wireless channel to a second component of the implantable medical device system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Werner Meskens, Koen Van Herck
  • Digital communications in an implantable system
    Patent number: 10201704
    Abstract: Presented herein are implantable digital communication techniques for use in implantable systems, such as implantable hearing systems. An implantable system in accordance with embodiments presented herein includes an implantable stimulator module and an implantable secondary module connected to the implantable stimulator module via a wire connection. The implantable secondary module is configured to generate and send a biphasic information signal to the implantable stimulator module via the wire connection. An error detector in the implantable stimulator module is configured to detect when the biphasic information signal includes an error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Werner Meskens
  • Perception change-based adjustments in hearing prostheses
    Patent number: 10194814
    Abstract: Presented herein are substantially automated techniques that enable an electro-acoustic or other hearing prosthesis implanted in a recipient to use objective measurements to determine when the recipient is likely experiencing sound perception changes. Once one or more perception changes are detected, the hearing prosthesis may initiate one or more remedial actions to, for example, address the perception changes. As described further below, the one or more remedial actions may include adjustments to the recipient's operational map to reverse the one or more perception changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Fung, Alex von Brasch, Kieran Reed
  • Individualized rehabilitation training of a hearing prosthesis recipient
    Patent number: 10198964
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for increasing the user experience of implantable hearing prostheses through improvements in post-implantation clinical care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Kieran Reed, John Michael Heasman, Alex von Brasch, Stephen Fung
  • Secure wireless communication for an implantable component
    Patent number: 10187792
    Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for creation of a direct secured wireless link/channel between an implantable component and an external device of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, the implantable medical device system includes an external component that is configured to operate as a temporary secure proxy device for wireless pairing of the implantable component with the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Werner Meskens
  • Stimulation parameter optimization
    Patent number: 10183164
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for optimizing stimulation parameters for use in a stimulating auditory prosthesis based on a recipient's cognitive auditory ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Sean Lineaweaver
  • Multimodal prescription techniques
    Patent number: 10179240
    Abstract: A method, including obtaining data relating to electric hearing, obtaining data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing a prescription for a multimodal hearing prosthesis for an individual based on the obtained data relating to the electric hearing and the acoustic hearing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method entails comparing the data relating to electric hearing to the data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing the prescription based on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Peter Andrew Busby
  • Bone conduction device including a balanced electromagnetic actuator having radial and axial air gaps
    Patent number: 10178484
    Abstract: A bone conduction device configured to couple to an abutment of an anchor system anchored to a recipient's skull. The bone conduction device includes a vibrating electromagnetic actuator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device, and a coupling apparatus configured to attach the bone conduction device to the abutment so as to impart to the recipient's skull vibrations generated by the vibrating electromagnetic actuator. The vibrating electromagnetic actuator includes a bobbin assembly and a counterweight assembly. Two axial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly and two radial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly. No substantial amount of the dynamic magnetic flux passes through the radial air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Kristian Asnes
  • Single-wire electrode array
    Patent number: 10166389
    Abstract: Tissue-stimulating prostheses that include a single-wire electrode array for delivery of electrical stimulation signals (current stimulation) to a recipient. The single-wire electrode array comprises a plurality of electrode devices that are all connected to a stimulator unit via a single-wire connection (i.e., only one wire or lead). Each of the plurality of electrode devices is individually addressable by the stimulator unit for delivery of the current signals to the recipient via the single-wire connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Paul Michael Carter, Torsten Lehmann
  • Prosthesis state and feedback path based parameter management
    Patent number: 10165374
    Abstract: A method including obtaining data based on a current and/or anticipated future state of a hearing prosthesis and adjusting a set gain margin of the hearing prosthesis based on the current or anticipated future state of the hearing prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Martin Hillbratt, Mark Flynn, Bjorn Davidsson
  • Implantable stimulating assembly arrangements
    Patent number: 10159831
    Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant that includes a perimodiolar flexure. The perimodiolar flexure is formed in a basal section of the stimulating assembly and has elastic properties and a shape so as to, after insertion into the cochlea, position the stimulating contacts disposed in the basal section of the stimulating assembly adjacent to a modiolar wall of the cochlea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Jason Leavens
  • Advanced artificial sound hearing training
    Patent number: 10154354
    Abstract: A method, including the actions of obtaining access to a virtual reality system; activating a cochlear implant such that the cochlear implant evokes a hearing percept based on first input; and receiving second input from the virtual reality system in temporal proximity with the evocation of the hearing percept based on the first input, wherein the cochlear implant evokes a hearing percept based on the first input, and the second input is correlated with the first input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Fung, Alexander Von Brasch, Kieran Reed
  • Binaural cue preservation in a bilateral system
    Patent number: 10149072
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for preservation/retention of binaural cues in a bilateral system, such as a bilateral hearing/auditory prosthesis system. The bilateral system comprises first and second bilateral prostheses, each of which includes an automatic gain control (AGC) system. The first and second bilateral prostheses communicate with one another over a AGC update channel/link to exchange AGC updates in a power-efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Joseph Long, Lakshmish Ramanna
  • Hearing prosthesis sound processing
    Patent number: 10149068
    Abstract: A method may include receiving a sound signal and identifying a plurality of components of the sound signal. The plurality of components may include a tonal component and an atonal component. The method may further include generating a first stimulation signal based on the tonal component of the sound signal, wherein the first stimulation signal is configured for application by a first stimulator to provide an acoustic output from a hearing prosthesis system. In addition, the method may include generating a second stimulation signal based on the atonal component of the sound signal, wherein the second stimulation signal is configured for application by a second stimulator to provide an electrical output from the hearing prosthesis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Chris Warren, Naomi Croghan
  • Hearing prosthesis with a piezoelectric actuator
    Patent number: 10142746
    Abstract: A hearing prosthesis including an actuator. The actuator includes a material that deforms in response to an electrical signal and that is adapted to, upon implantation in a recipient, transmit vibrations representative of a sound signal to an organ of the recipient, wherein the material is at least partially exposed to at least one of body tissue and fluid of the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Marcus Andersson, Bart Valckaerts