Patents Assigned to Symphonix Devices, Inc.
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Patent number: 6676592Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 6626822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Jaeger, Geoffrey R. Ball, Duane E. Tumlinson
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Publication number: 20030060676Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: SYMPHONIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 6475134Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 6422991Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventor: Eric M. Jaeger
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Patent number: 6217508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 6190305Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury
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Patent number: 6174278Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eric Jaeger, Jerod Goldstein, Harry S. Robbins
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Patent number: 6139488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey R. Ball
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Patent number: 6093144Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Jaeger, Geoffrey R. Ball, Duane E. Tumlinson
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Patent number: 5949895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz, Bruce D. Arthur
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Patent number: 5913815Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Kenneth J. Dormer, Jack Van Doren Hough, Gordon L. Richard, Christopher A. Julian
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Patent number: 5897486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, August C. Pombo, Christopher A. Julian, Eric M. Jaeger, Timothy G. Dietz, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 5888187Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eric Jaeger, Jerod Goldstein, Harry S. Robbins
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Patent number: 5859916Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Wyndham Robertson, III, Christopher A. Julian
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Patent number: 5857958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury
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Patent number: 5800336Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, Bob H. Katz, Dan Wallace
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Patent number: 5795287Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Bob H. Katz
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Patent number: 5624376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Symphonix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, James M. Culp, Craig Mar, Tim Dietz, John D. Salisbury