Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.

Abstract: A method for fitting a hearing device in an ear canal, comprises, providing a receiver module sized and shaped to fit in any of a wide range of ear canals, selecting a conformal tip from a plurality of differently sized conformal tips, each conformal tip of the plurality having an inside circumference adapted to engage the same size receiver module, wherein the selected conformal tip has an outside circumference slightly larger than the circumference of the ear canal, engaging the receiver module within the selected conformal tip, and inserting the selected conformal tip and engaged receiver module into the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing device comprises a housing having an outer wall and a compartment adapted to receive a battery. The battery forms a portion of the housing outer wall when engaged with the compartment. The hearing device compartment also includes an integrated switch comprising a contact adapted to engage the battery in response to a deformation of the hearing device, and a conformal tip adapted to engage with the housing such that the conformal tip surrounds the compartment and the engaged battery.

Abstract: A receiver suspension for isolating a hearing device receiver within a hearing device comprises a housing that defines a chamber. The housing is adapted to be inserted into a hearing device shell. The receiver suspension also comprises a cover that is adapted to engage with a proximal end of the housing. An isolation membrane at least partially surrounds the hearing device receiver such that, upon inserting the hearing device receiver into the housing, the isolation membrane suspends the receiver within the housing chamber, thus preventing the receiver from contacting the inside surface of the housing. Preferably, the isolation membrane is formed from a stretched polymer material such as polyurethane or silicone and forms a series of pleats when engaged with the receiver. Alternately, the receiver suspension includes an isolation spring having two grasping members interconnected with a flexure member.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly for a hearing device comprises a substrate including a component mounting region that can be folded into a desired orientation. A circuit board assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention can preferably be folded without affecting the performance characteristics of the substrate or any of the components mounted to the substrate. In a preferred embodiment a circuit board assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a first component mounting region adapted to receive a hearing device microphone, a second component mounting region adapted to receive an electronic circuit and a circuit capacitor, a third component mounting region adapted to receive a contact pad, and a fourth component mounting region adapted to receive a programming pad. When folded in accordance with a preferred configuration, the flexible circuit board assembly can be readily inserted into a hearing device housing.

Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid retention and extraction device comprises a retention ring having an outer bonding surface and an inner grasping surface, and an elongate member extending from the retention ring. The retention and extraction device can be incorporated into a hearing device tip and allows both a hearing device and the hearing device tip to be simultaneously removed from an ear canal. When a user pulls on the elongate member, the retention ring cinches around the hearing device and prevents it from becoming separated from the hearing device tip. The cinching action of the retention ring also holds the hearing device in place within the ear canal.

Abstract: A completely in-the-canal hearing device including a conformal tip and a combination vent and retrieval cord is disclosed. The vent and retrieval cord allows pressure equalization between the deep portions of the ear canal and the ambient air. In addition, the vent and retrieval cord allows a user to easily insert and remove the hearing device without the use of auxiliary tools. The vent tube also contributes to the reduction of acoustic feedback.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cerumen guard includes a thermally activated element. The cerumen guard is mounted on the distal end of a hearing device adjacent to a sound port. The thermally activated element is oriented in a manner which causes it to retract when heated to a first temperature range and extend when cooled to a second temperature range, such that, upon removal of the hearing device from an ear canal, the self-cleaning cerumen guard will automatically remove any accumulated debris from the sound port.

Abstract: A completely in-the-canal hearing device including a conformal tip and a combination vent and retrieval cord is disclosed. The vent and retrieval cord allows pressure equalization between the deep portions of the ear canal and the ambient air. In addition, the vent and retrieval cord allows a user to easily insert and remove the hearing device without the use of auxiliary tools. The vent tube also contributes to the reduction of acoustic feedback.

Abstract: A device for coupling a programming connector to a programmable hearing aid comprises an electrode coupled to a corresponding conductor of the programming connector, wherein the electrode is biased to maintain contact with a conductive surface in the hearing aid. The coupling device is adapted to engage within a receiver module of a CIC hearing device. Data from an outside source, such as a computer, can thereby be easily transferred through the programming connector to circuitry within the hearing device.

Abstract: A hearing aid retention and extraction device comprises a retention ring having an outer bonding surface and an inner grasping surface, and an elongate member extending from the retention ring. The retention and extraction device can be incorporated into a hearing device tip and allows both a hearing device and the hearing device tip to be simultaneously removed from an ear canal. When a user pulls on the elongate member, the retention ring cinches around the hearing device and prevents it from becoming separated from the hearing device tip. The cinching action of the retention ring also holds the hearing device in place within the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid retention and extraction device comprises a retention ring having an outer bonding surface and an inner grasping surface, and an elongate member extending from the retention ring. The retention and extraction device can be incorporated into a hearing device tip and allows both a hearing device and the hearing device tip to be simultaneously removed from an ear canal. When a user pulls on the elongate member, the retention ring cinches around the hearing device and prevents it from becoming separated from the hearing device tip. The cinching action of the retention ring also holds the hearing device in place within the ear canal.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cerumen guard includes a thermally activated element. The cerumen guard is mounted on the distal end of a hearing device adjacent to a sound port. The thermally activated element is oriented in a manner which causes it to retract when heated to a first temperature range and extend when cooled to a second temperature range, such that, upon removal of the hearing device from an ear canal, the self-cleaning cerumen guard will automatically remove any accumulated debris from the sound port.

Abstract: A movable cover that pivots over a receiver port in the hearing aid shell forms a cerumen barrier. Alternatively, the cerumen barrier includes both a movable cover that pivots over a receiver port in the hearing aid shell and a deformable grommet and membrane assembly that is disposed over the receiver port.

Abstract: A multiple function centrifuge for use in the centrifugation of sets of centrifugation containers within preselected size ranges and centrifugation speeds. The centrifuge rotor is configured with a plurality of receptacle sets therein, each set having a preselected size to receive the corresponding size of centrifugation container. An index plate has a single set of access ports therethrough. The orientation of the access ports is coordinated with the placement of the receptacle sets to limit placement of centrifugation containers to a single receptacle set. Once a particular size of centrifugation container has been selected and inserted into the appropriate receptacle in the rotor, the index plate automatically blocks placement of centrifugation containers into any other receptacle. The motor is a multispeed motor to allow the operator to select the appropriate centrifugation speed and duration as a function of the liquid undergoing centrifugation.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for controlling a remote actuator, the control apparatus having a kinesthetic feedback system for providing a kinesthetic sensation to the operator as a physical sensation representative of the resistive forces encountered by the remote actuator. The control apparatus is configured to be releasably mounted to the hand of the operator with control modules supported at preselected joints of the hand. The control modules sense changes in the angular orientation in the respective joints and generate a control signal as a function of the change. This control signal is used to drive the corresponding actuator. Each actuator includes a sensor to sense resistive forces encountered by the actuator and generate a response signal as a function of the resistive forces.

Abstract: A kinesthetic feedback apparatus and method whereby braking forces are imposed on a hand-movable lever. The lever is either a joystick or a uniplanar lever, and the braking forces are imposed by a friction plate being pressed against a portion of the lever by a length of magnetostrictive material. An electromagnetic coil around the magnetostrictive material receives a signal from a remote apparatus driven by movement of the lever. The magnitude of the signal is a function of the resistive forces encountered by the remote apparatus so that the braking forces are directly proportional to the resistive forces thereby providing kinesthetic feedback to the person operating the lever.

Abstract: A linear actuator and method whereby linear movement of a drive rod is achieved in a step-wise fashion using a pair of clamping members in conjunction with extension members. The body of the linear actuator is configured as a pair of housings, each with a clamping member and slidably receiving the extension member. Each clamping member is each actuated by a magnetostrictive rod. A third magnetostrictive rod slidably passes through both housings and ends in abutment with each clamping member. The clamping members selectively affix the respective housing to the drive rod while the extension member pushes one clamping member relative to the other clamping member. A spring resiliently urges the two housings together and thereby cooperates with the two clamping members and the extension member in moving the linear actuator along the length of the drive rod.

Abstract: An improved blood sample apparatus having a capillary channel formed in a basal element and enclosed with a transparent overlay to create a capillary tube. A chamber for receiving a sample of blood is formed in the basal element at one end of the capillary channel. A blotter is placed in the chamber to receive the sample of blood. An overflow reservoir is formed perpendicularly to the capillary tube and receives surplus blood in excess of that needed to fill the capillary tube. A scale adjacent the capillary tube provides an automatic reading of the hematocrit. The transparent overlay sealingly encloses the sample of blood inside the hematocrit apparatus. The transparent overlay also includes a writing surface and a machine-readable indicia.