Patents Assigned to Symphonix Devices, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6676592
    Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 6626822
    Abstract: Implantable microphone devices that may be utilized in hearing systems are provided. An implantable microphone device allows the implantable microphone's frequency response and sensitivity to be selected. A microphone device with an increased membrane flexibility and a decreased acoustic compliance of the sealed cavity. Vibrations of a membrane are transmitted through a primary air cavity and through an aperture of a microphone. Keeping a flexible membrane and decreasing the sealed air cavity compliance are the preferred way to simultaneously increase overall sensitivity of the device, and move the resonance peak to higher frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Jaeger, Geoffrey R. Ball, Duane E. Tumlinson
  • Publication number: 20030060676
    Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: SYMPHONIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 6475134
    Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 6422991
    Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable microphone device. The implantable microphone device typically comprises a housing defining an internal chamber. It typically further comprises a microphone arrangement on the housing, the microphone arrangement having a first cavity, a second cavity, and a membrane separating the first and second cavities such that vibrations entering the first cavity causes the membrane to vibrate, and to transmit vibrations into the second cavity. The implantable microphone device further comprises at least one vent extending between the second cavity of the microphone arrangement and the internal chamber of the housing so as to permit the vibrations to pass from the second cavity of the microphone arrangement into the internal chamber of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6217508
    Abstract: A direct drive hearing system for providing an ultrasonic signal to a portion of the human ear. The direct drive hearing system includes an ultrasonic direct device. The device includes a housing with at least one coil coupled to the housing. Inside the housing is a magnet, which vibrates at an ultrasonic resonant frequency in direct response to an externally generated electric signal through the at least one coil. A biasing mechanism, which supports the magnet within the housing, is also provided. The magnet is free to move within the housing subject to the retention provided by the biasing mechanism. The hearing system is partially or totally implantable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 6190305
    Abstract: A floating mass transducer for improving hearing in a hearing impaired person is provided. The floating mass transducer (100) may be implanted or mounted externally for producing vibrations in a vibratory structure of an ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is fixed to an ossicle of a middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The vibrations of the housing are conducted to the oval window of the ear via the ossicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury
  • Patent number: 6174278
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Jaeger, Jerod Goldstein, Harry S. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6139488
    Abstract: An implantable hearing device is coupled to a tympanic membrane and an oval window of a human subject's ear. The implantable hearing device includes an amplifier, a first transducer electrically coupled to the amplifier, and a second transducer also electrically coupled to the amplifier. A first compliant connecting member elastically couples the tympanic membrane to the first transducer. A second compliant connecting member elastically couples the second transducer to the oval window. Ambient sounds are transmitted from the tympanic membrane to the first transducer by the first compliant connecting member, thus generating an audio signal. The audio signal is amplified by the amplifier, which drives the second transducer. The second compliant connecting member transmits the amplified sounds to the oval window, possibly via one or more ossicles or prostheses. The hearing of the human subject is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey R. Ball
  • Patent number: 6093144
    Abstract: Implantable microphone devices that may be utilized in hearing systems are provided. An implantable microphone device allows the implantable microphone's frequency response and sensitivity to be selected. A microphone device with an increased membrane flexibility and a decreased acoustic compliance of the sealed cavity. Vibrations of a membrane are transmitted through a primary air cavity and through an aperture of a microphone. Keeping a flexible membrane and decreasing the sealed air cavity compliance are the preferred way to simultaneously increase overall sensitivity of the device, and move the resonance peak to higher frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Jaeger, Geoffrey R. Ball, Duane E. Tumlinson
  • Patent number: 5949895
    Abstract: A disposable audio processor for use with implanted hearing devices is provided. The audio processor may include a microphone, application specific integrated circuit performing both signal processing and signal modulation, a battery, and a coil. The audio processor is designed for specific types of hearing loss. Electronic signals are transmitted to an implanted receiver through the use of electromagnetic fields generated by the coil of the audio processor. The audio processor is a low power and inexpensive device that may be disposed of when it becomes inoperable. The audio processor and may include a finger tab for manipulating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz, Bruce D. Arthur
  • Patent number: 5913815
    Abstract: A floating mass transducer for assisting hearing in a person is provided. Inertial vibration in the floating mass transducer (100) produces vibrations in the inner ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is attached to bone within the middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The floating mass transducer may generate vibrations in the inner ear by being attached to the skull or through a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Kenneth J. Dormer, Jack Van Doren Hough, Gordon L. Richard, Christopher A. Julian
  • Patent number: 5897486
    Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 5888187
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Jaeger, Jerod Goldstein, Harry S. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5859916
    Abstract: Two stage implantable microphone devices suitable for use in hearing systems are provided. An implantable microphone device may include a housing including a diaphragm with the housing and diaphragm enclosing a chamber; a microphone coupled to the housing; and a vent connecting the microphone to the chamber. Vibrations of the diaphragm are transmitted through the chamber as a first stage and through the vent as a second stage to the microphone. The relative dimensions of the chamber and vent may be utilized to tune the frequency response and sensitivity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Wyndham Robertson, III, Christopher A. Julian
  • Patent number: 5857958
    Abstract: A floating mass transducer for improving hearing in a hearing impaired person is provided. The floating mass transducer (100) may be implanted or mounted externally for producing vibrations in a vibratory structure of an ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is fixed to an ossicle of a middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The vibrations of the housing are conducted to the oval window of the ear via the ossicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury
  • Patent number: 5800336
    Abstract: A floating mass transducer for assisting hearing in a person is provided. Inertial vibration in the floating mass transducer (100) produces vibrations in the inner ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is attached to bone within the middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The floating mass transducer may generate vibrations in the inner ear by being attached to the skull or through a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, Bob H. Katz, Dan Wallace
  • Patent number: 5795287
    Abstract: Tinnitus maskers for direct drive hearing devices are provided. A circuit generates signals corresponding to sounds to mask tinnitus a user perceives. A direct drive hearing device which is coupled to a structure in the user vibrates in response to the signals. The vibrating direct drive hearing device stimulates hearing by vibrating the structure to which it is coupled. A user may select the frequency, intensity and phase of a tone generated. Additionally, a second tone or a background sound may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz
  • Patent number: 5624376
    Abstract: A floating mass transducer for improving hearing in a hearing impaired person is provided. The floating mass transducer (100) may be implanted or mounted externally for producing vibrations in a vibratory structure of an ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is fixed to an ossicle of a middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The vibrations of the housing are conducted to the oval window of the ear via the ossicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury