Patents by Inventor Donald J. Bushek
Donald J. Bushek 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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Publication number: 20040181117Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, Bruce A. Brillhart, Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 6755778Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Patent number: 6540662Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Publication number: 20030032856Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Patent number: 6488616Abstract: A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Publication number: 20020032363Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Patent number: 6325755Abstract: A mountable transducer assembly with removable sleeve provides for efficient and versatile implantation of transducers that are part of an implantable hearing assistance system. The invention provides for a universal connector and bracket where the universal connector can be removed from the bracket without the necessity of unmounting the bracket from its implanted location, for example, attached to the mastoid bone in the middle ear region. Further, the invention provides for three-dimensional movement of a transducer assembly attached to a removable column which further extends the flexibility and options for an implantation surgeon when implanting an implantable hearing-assistance device requiring one or more transducers. The sleeve, with attached transducer assembly, is further slidably adjustable in a longitudinal manner, to further extend the options and flexibility for the implantation surgeon to achieve good contact between a transducer and a target anatomical structure within the middle ear.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Clair Madsen, Iain Grant
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Patent number: 6315710Abstract: An improved partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing assistance system includes a device and method of providing between a vibrating auditory element and a transducer that senses or provides such mechanical vibrations adjustably positionable contact at a controllable, adjustable, or calibrated force. A screw adjusts a spacing between first and second members of the transducer mount to position the transducer and obtain the desired coupling force between the transducer and the auditory element. A spring provides an adjustable coupling force. A spacer limits further compression of the spring, providing additional force. A calibrated coupling force is obtained by compressing the spring by a known amount, such as by observing visual demarcations, or by reducing the spacing between the first and second members until the spacing is almost limited by the length of the spacer. Optimal ranges of forces for sensing malleus vibrations are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll, Scott C. Meyerson
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Patent number: 6267731Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Patent number: 6261224Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, Bruce A. Brillhart, Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 6171229Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer is easily mounted within a middle ear region by the force of attraction between two permanent magnets. The transducer is preferably coupled to one of the magnets prior to implantation. The transducer is coupled to the magnet by an adhesive, by a transducer case containing both the magnet and the transducer, or by being encompassed by the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek
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Patent number: 6050933Abstract: A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 6039685Abstract: A connector device for use in connecting various electric components of an implantable hearing assistance system. In one embodiment, the connector has a lead housing defining at least one lead channel. The lead is sealed within the lead channel to prevent the intrusion of problematic fluids from inhibiting electrical communication within the connector. The lead channel can be vented and flushed, in one embodiment, by a non-coring needle through a self-sealing resilient plug disposed within a venting bore.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventor: Donald J. Bushek
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Patent number: 6001129Abstract: A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally. The support can be a single bracket. The transducers are connected to an electronics unit. The electronics can be programmed or reprogrammed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 5899847Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, Bruce A. Brillhart, Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 5836863Abstract: A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 5762583Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The apparatus includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, Bruce A. Brillhart, Donald J. Bushek, Kai Kroll
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Patent number: 5707338Abstract: A method and apparatus for vibrating an auditory element, such as a stapes, within an ear to improve hearing. A piezoelectric transducer is interposed within an inner circumference of the stapes, such as between the neck and footplate. An electrical input signal is applied to the transducer to vibrate an oval window or perilymph of the cochlea, either directly or through the stapes. The vibrator has small size and low power consumption, which are particularly advantageous for partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, Bruce A. Brillhart, Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek