Patents by Inventor Alex Tilson
Alex Tilson 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).
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Patent number: 8036407Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Ian Michael Day, Adnan Shennib, Timothy Cuongdung Huynh, Alex Tilson
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Patent number: 8023675Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component and can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Patent number: 7720242Abstract: Various embodiments provide a flexible joint for extended wear hearing devices. One embodiment provides a flexible joint for a hearing device comprising a compliant tube having a lateral and a medial end, a pivotal portion and a lumen. The hearing device can include a CIC hearing aid positioned in the bony portion of the ear canal. The tube ends are configured to be coupled to lateral and medial device assemblies. The tube allows the lateral assembly to advance the medial assembly into the bony portion of the ear canal and have the lateral and medial assemblies conform to the shape of the ear canal via pivotal movement. The tube also acoustically decouples the two assemblies. The pivotal portion can comprise a necked portion or otherwise have decreased stiffness relative to other tube portions. The tube can be shaped to fit over and retain one or both assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Greg Anderson, Adnan Shennib, Robert Schindler, Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Ian Day
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Publication number: 20090238389Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component and can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Patent number: 7580537Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard Carl Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley, John Sadler, Alex Tilson
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Patent number: 7558394Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Patent number: 7466836Abstract: A removal tool for atraumatically removing a removable fitting from a hearing device inserted deeply in the ear canal comprises a housing adapted to be grasped in the hand and a plurality of flexible members partially positioned in the housing and extending from the housing. The members have an outwardly flared portion at a distal portion of the member. At least one member includes an engagement element positioned at the flared distal portion of the member for engaging a removal element on the fitting. The tool also comprises a mechanism for engaging the engagement element with the removal element for removal of the fitting independent of a radial orientation of the housing with respect to the hearing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David P. Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Publication number: 20080031482Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Ian Day, Timothy Huynh, Alex Tilson
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Patent number: 7298857Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Insound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Ian Michael Day, Timothy Cuongdung Huynh, Alex Tilson
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Publication number: 20070036379Abstract: Various embodiments provide a flexible joint for extended wear hearing devices. One embodiment provides a flexible joint for a hearing device comprising a compliant tube having a lateral and a medial end, a pivotal portion and a lumen. The hearing device can include a CIC hearing aid positioned in the bony portion of the ear canal. The tube ends are configured to be coupled to lateral and medial device assemblies. The tube allows the lateral assembly to advance the medial assembly into the bony portion of the ear canal and have the lateral and medial assemblies conform to the shape of the ear canal via pivotal movement. The tube also acoustically decouples the two assemblies. The pivotal portion can comprise a necked portion or otherwise have decreased stiffness relative to other tube portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2005Publication date: February 15, 2007Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Greg Anderson, Adnan Shennib, Robert Schindler, Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Ian Day
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Publication number: 20070009106Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a fitting for in situ cerumen removal comprising a top portion shaped to be removably coupled to a hearing device component surface and a plurality of leg members extending axially from a perimeter of the top portion. The top portion has a plurality of openings and at least one flexible retaining element configured to releasably engage a retaining feature on the hearing device. The leg members are configured to fit over another surface of the hearing device component. The fitting can be removed from the device component without removing the hearing device from the ear canal. The fitting can also include a removal loop that has a non-deployed state and a deployed state. The fitting is configured to remove cerumen obstructing a feature on the device component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Publication number: 20070003086Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods and assemblies for in situ removal of cerumen from hearing devices positioned in the ear canal. One embodiments provides a removal tool for atraumatically removing a removable fitting from a hearing device inserted deeply in the ear canal. The tool comprises a housing adapted to be grasped in the hand and a plurality of flexible members partially positioned in the housing and extending from the housing. The members have an outwardly flared portion at a distal portion of the member. At least one member includes an engagement element positioned at the flared distal portion of the member for engaging a removal element on the fitting. The tool also comprises a mechanism for engaging the engagement element with the removal element for removal of the fitting independent of a radial orientation of the housing with respect to the hearing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Pat Contioso, David Knight, Mitchell Barham
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Publication number: 20060291683Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell wall defines a cavity for retention of a hearing device component with at least a portion of the shell comprising a resilient material having sound attenuating properties. The shell has a structure such that a force for removal of the seal from the canal is greater than a force for insertion of the seal into the canal. That structure can have an umbrella or cup shape. The structure can be configured to act as a mechanical toggle when acted upon by a laterally applied force to the shell. The structure can also be configured to exert a constant frictional force against the canal wall during insertion into the ear canal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley, John Sadler, Alex Tilson
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Publication number: 20060291682Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley, John Sadler, Alex Tilson
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Publication number: 20060129041Abstract: A guidewire with a sensor which can detect NO and/or superoxide levels is disclosed. This invention can be useful for in vivo analysis of vascular health.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: June 15, 2006Inventors: Jeffrey Ellis, Robert Ainsworth, Deborah Kilpatrick, Alex Tilson, Bridget Hurley
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Publication number: 20050190938Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2005Publication date: September 1, 2005Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Ian Day, Timothy Huynh, Alex Tilson