By Partially Or Wholly Implanted Device Patents (Class 607/57)
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Patent number: 12233255Abstract: A prosthetic system, comprising a first sub-system configured to evoke a hearing percept based on a first principle of operation, and a second sub-system configured to evoke a hearing percept based on at least one of the first principle of operation or a second principle of operation different from the first principle of operation, wherein the first and second sub-systems are configured to independently process respective inputs indicative of an ambient sound to harmonize an estimated recipient perception of magnitude of a property of the respective evoked hearing percepts.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Tom Francart, Hugh Joseph McDermott, Colette McKay
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Patent number: 12220596Abstract: An illustrative system includes a coil configured to be positioned over a wound on a body and held in place on the body by a magnet implanted within the body; and a controller communicatively coupled to the coil, the controller configured to apply therapeutic electromagnetic pulses by way of the coil to the wound. Other systems and methods for providing therapeutic electromagnetic pulses to a recipient are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Leonid M. Litvak, R. Tissa Karunasiri, Kanthaiah Koka, Smita S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 12214203Abstract: Disclosed examples include technology for the detection and treatment of neotissue formation proximate an implantable stimulator. Neotissue formation can include ossification, scar tissue, soft tissue fibrosis, and other tissue growth. The neotissue formation can be detected by analyzing (e.g., using a machine-learning framework) stimulation data relating to the implantable stimulator. Neotissue formation characteristics can be analyzed to determine appropriate treatment actions for ameliorating the effects of neotissue formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Filiep Vanpoucke, Floris Heutink, Berit Verbist
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Patent number: 12214195Abstract: Cochlear implant systems can include an inner ear sensor configured to receive a stimulus signal from the cochlear tissue of a wearer and generate an input signal based on the received stimulus signal. The inner ear sensor can be configured to detect pressure, for example, within a wearer's cochlear tissue and generate an input signal based on the detected pressure. The inner ear sensor can be integrated with a cochlear electrode implanted in the cochlear tissue. Systems can include a signal processor programmed with a transfer function and configured to receive an input signal and output a stimulation signal based on the received input signal and transfer function. Systems can include an implantable battery and/or communication module in communication with the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module can be configured to interface with and update the transfer function of the signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2023Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Envoy Medical CorporationInventor: Paul R. Mazanec
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Patent number: 12212911Abstract: The present disclosure provides an earphone comprising a sound production component and an ear hook. In a wearing state, the ear hook is configured to place the sound production component at a position near an ear canal but not blocking the ear canal. An inner contour of the ear hook's projection on a user's sagittal plane includes a first curve having an extremum point in a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to a long-axis direction of a projection of the sound production component on the sagittal plane. The extremum point is located behind a projection point of an upper vertex of the ear hook on the sagittal plane, and the upper vertex is a highest point of an inner contour of the ear hook along the user's vertical axis. An inclination angle of the long-axis direction relative to a horizontal direction is within a range of 13°-21°.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2024Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Peigeng Tong, Guolin Xie, Yongjian Li, Jiang Xu, Tao Zhao, Duoduo Wu, Ao Ji, Xin Qi, Zeying Zheng, Haofeng Zhang
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Patent number: 12208265Abstract: An illustrative scalar translocation detection system directs a loudspeaker to apply acoustic stimulation to a cochlear implant patient while an electrode lead is inserted into a cochlea of the cochlear implant patient. The system detects a first evoked response to the acoustic stimulation while an electrode is positioned at a first location in the cochlea and detects a second evoked response to the acoustic stimulation while the electrode is positioned at a second location in the cochlea. Then, based on at least one of an amplitude change or a phase change between the first and second evoked responses, the system determines that a scalar translocation of the electrode lead from one scala of the cochlea to another scala of the cochlea has occurred. Based on this determination, the system also notifies a user that the scalar translocation has occurred. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Kanthaiah Koka, Leonid M. Litvak
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Patent number: 12186560Abstract: A vestibular stimulation prosthesis can restore vestibular function in recipients having vestibular deficiency. In an example, a body is appended onto or within the recipient's ossicular chain such that the body directly interfaces with an oval window of an inner ear of the recipient. Electrical stimulation is provided using one or more electrodes of the body to stimulate the vestibular system and thereby restore vestibular functioning. In an example, a stimulator device connected to the body via a lead is also implanted. The stimulator device can have a small and convenient form factor. In some instances, the stimulator device is a stand-alone device that is configured to provide stimulation to the recipient's vestibular system without respect to signals received from devices external to the recipient. In some implementations, the stimulator device is a component of a sensory prosthesis (e.g., a cochlear implant or bionic eye) or another medical device.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignees: Cochlear Limited, University of Las Palmas de Gran CanariaInventors: Angel Manuel Ramos Macias, Angel Ramos De Miguel, Koen Erik Van Den Heuvel, Mattheus Johannes Petrus Killian
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Patent number: 12186550Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device is implantable into a body of a patient, and includes a prong and an electrode. The prong has a contact portion at or adjacent to a distal end thereof that is configured to contact an organ. The prong is constructed to apply pressure to the organ with spring action so as to maintain contact between the contact portion and the organ without fixing the contact portion to the organ. The electrode is provided at the contact portion of the prong, is configured to contact the organ, and is electrically coupled or couplable with circuitry that is configured to provide monitoring, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic capabilities with respect to the organ.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Manicka Institute LLCInventor: Yatheendhar D. Manicka
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Patent number: 12186558Abstract: Presented herein are techniques to control the spread of current beyond, in an apical direction, a predetermined location/point in the cochlea. As a result, the techniques presented herein create a protected apical zone at an apical side of the predetermined location for undisturbed acoustic temporal coding (i.e., an apical region of the cochlea in which the voltage fields from delivered current signals are nulled, minimized, or otherwise controlled in order to eliminate, reduce, or otherwise limit electro-acoustic interactions that could negatively affect remaining low-frequency hair cells).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Zachary Mark Smith, Bastiaan Van Dijk
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Patent number: 12172002Abstract: A method includes receiving first information regarding a pose of a structure in a first time period. The structure is configured to be inserted into a body portion of a recipient. The first information includes at least one of: a first estimate of the pose of the structure in the first time period, and a first measurement set including one or more first measurement values. At least some of the one or more first measurement values are generated using a plurality of sensors distributed along the structure. The one or more first measurement values are indicative of the pose of the structure in the first time period. The method further includes generating a second estimate of the pose of the structure using at least the first information and a probabilistic model of the structure and/or the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Matthew Zygorodimos
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Patent number: 12172015Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the non-invasive treatment of diseases or disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, or postoperative delirium. A method for comprises positioning an electrode in contact with an outer skin surface of a neck of the patient and transmitting, via the electrode, an electric current transcutaneously and non-invasively through the outer skin surface of the neck of the patient to generate an electrical impulse at or near a vagus nerve within the patient. The electrical impulse comprises bursts of 2 to 20 pulses with each of the bursts comprising a frequency from about 15 Hz to about 50 Hz and with each of the pulses comprising a duration from about 20 microseconds to about 1000 microseconds.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2024Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: ElectroCore, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
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Patent number: 12161443Abstract: A system for monitoring neural activity of a living subject is provided. The system may comprise a correspondence module configured to be in communication with (1) a neural module and (2) one or more additional modules comprising a sensing module, another neural module, and/or a data storage module. The neural module(s) are configured to collect neural data indicative of perceptions experienced by the living subject. The sensing module may be configured to collect (1) sensor data indicative of real-world information about an environment around the living subject, and/or (2) sensor data indicative of a physical state or physiological state of the living subject. The data storage module may be configured to store prior neural data and/or prior sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Paradromics, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Angle, Edmund Huber, Richard C. Gerkin, Konrad Kording
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Patent number: 12161859Abstract: A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is still enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignees: Cochlear Limited, University of Washington Center for CommercializationInventors: Frank Risi, Colin Irwin, Jay T. Rubinstein, Felipe Santos, James O. Phillips
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Patent number: 12160124Abstract: A variety of applications can include wireless power and voltage regulation for wireless power transfer systems. A receiver can receive power wirelessly from a transmitter to provide an output voltage. The receiver can regulate the output voltage with respect to a window defining an upper threshold and a lower threshold and can generate a first signal in response to the output voltage exceeding the upper threshold voltage and a second signal in response to the output voltage reducing below the lower threshold voltage. The receiver can change its input impedance and control reception of the power in response to the first and second signals. A transmitter can sense current in the power transistors or the coil of the transmitter in response to the change of input impedance of the receiver. The sensed current can be used to modify the current to the output of the transmitter to adjust the transmitted power.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2022Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Cheng Huang, Junyao Tang
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Patent number: 12151102Abstract: Cochlear implant systems can comprise a cochlear implant system comprising a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, an input source, and an implantable battery and/or communication module. The signal processor may be programmed with a transfer function and be configured to receive input signals from the input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signals with the transfer function. The system may be configured to receive a status indicator signal indicative of whether an external auditory aid device is active and update the transfer function of the signal processor if the external auditory aid device is active. For example, the signal processor can operate programmed with a first transfer function if the external auditory aid device is not active and with a second transfer function if the external auditory aid device is active.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Envoy Medical CorporationInventor: Paul R. Mazanec
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Patent number: 12144989Abstract: An illustrative radio frequency (RF) power control system includes an RF transmitter configured to operate external to a recipient, a cochlear implant configured to operate internal to the recipient based on RF power received from the RF transmitter, and a processor that, while operating in a power adaptation mode during which the cochlear implant applies stimulation to the recipient: 1) receives an audio signal, 2) directs the RF transmitter to provide the RF power to the cochlear implant at a power level determined based on the audio signal and based on a power level mapping function, 3) determines an error value representing a difference between a target metric and a measured metric associated with receipt of the RF power at the cochlear implant, and 4) updates the power level mapping function based on the error value. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Alok Deshpande, Sanat D. Ganu, Yadunandan Nagarajaiah
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Patent number: 12138447Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device is implantable into a body of a patient, and includes a prong and an electrode. The prong has a contact portion at or adjacent to a distal end thereof that is configured to contact an organ. The prong is constructed to apply pressure to the organ with spring action so as to maintain contact between the contact portion and the organ without fixing the contact portion to the organ. The electrode is provided at the contact portion of the prong, is configured to contact the organ, and is electrically coupled or couplable with circuitry that is configured to provide monitoring, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic capabilities with respect to the organ.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Manicka Institute LLCInventor: Yatheendhar D. Manicka
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Patent number: 12137326Abstract: An external portion of an auditory prosthesis includes an external magnet that interacts with an implantable magnet to hold the external portion against the skin. Magnetic force generated by the stray field of these magnets can disturb the operation of a vibrating element of the auditory prosthesis. The technologies described herein utilize additional magnets disposed within portions of the auditory prosthesis to redirect the magnetic flux, which allows the vibrating element to be disposed more closely to the magnets, reducing the overall height profile of the prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2022Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Patrik Kennes, Charles Roger Aaron Leigh, Paul Michael Carter, Mark Alan Von Huben, Jonathan Diolaso, Scott Matthew Ibbotson, Irene Tsimos Diolaso
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Patent number: 12120487Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors, Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, James R. Newton
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Patent number: 12102817Abstract: An external power source, implantable medical device, and method for indicating an extent of power transfer between an external coil to an internal coil associated with the implantable medical device. According to one aspect, a method includes determining a parameter that depends on an extent to which the external coil is aligned with the internal coil, where the parameter includes at least one of an indication of an internal coil output power and power transfer efficiency and a resonant frequency of the external coil when inductively coupled to the internal coil. The method further includes indicating an extent to which the external coil is aligned with the internal coil based on the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David J. Peichel, Can Cinbis, Jonathan P. Roberts
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Patent number: 12101620Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for managing performance optimization of applications executed by an Information Handling System (IHS) are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include computer-executable instructions to receive, by a personal audio device, a plurality of measurements associated with an audio dosage level incurred by a user over a specified period of time, and determine that a cumulative audio dosage level for the specified period of time is excessive. A first portion of the measurements obtained when the audio dosage level is generated by a first audio source and a second portion of the measurements obtained when the audio dosage level is generated by a second audio source. Additionally, the cumulative audio dosage level obtained by combining the first portion and second portion of measurements. When the cumulative audio dosage level is excessive, perform one or more remedial actions to reduce the audio dosage level.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Harpreet Narula, Karun Palicherla Reddy
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Patent number: 12101603Abstract: According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a housing configured to be mounted on or detached from an ear of a user, at least one processor disposed within the housing, an audio module including audio circuitry, and a sensor device including at least one sensor operatively coupled to the at least one processor and the audio module. The sensor device may be configured to: output acceleration-related data to the at least one processor through a first path of the sensor device, identify whether an utterance has been made during the output of the acceleration-related data; obtain bone conduction-related data based on the identification of the utterance; and output the obtained bone conduction-related data to the audio module through a second path of the sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sunghun Shin, Kihun Eom, Kihong Min, Hyeonyeong Jeong
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Patent number: 12090327Abstract: Presented herein are binaural hearing prosthesis systems that are configured to provide a recipient with pitch cues at both ears, while preserving/retaining binaural timing cues.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Brett Anthony Swanson, Zachary Mark Smith
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Patent number: 12081946Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for training a hearing prosthesis to classify/categorize received sound signals as either including a recipient's own voice (i.e., the voice or speech of the recipient of the hearing prosthesis) or external voice (i.e., the voice or speech of one or more persons other than the recipient). The techniques presented herein use the captured voice (speech) of the recipient to train the hearing prosthesis to perform the classification of the sound signals as including the recipient's own voice or external voice.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Matthew Brown
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Patent number: 12076553Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device is implantable into a body of a patient, and includes a prong and an electrode. The prong has a contact portion at or adjacent to a distal end thereof that is configured to contact an organ. The prong is constructed to apply pressure to the organ with spring action so as to maintain contact between the contact portion and the organ without fixing the contact portion to the organ. The electrode is provided at the contact portion of the prong, is configured to contact the organ, and is electrically coupled or couplable with circuitry that is configured to provide monitoring, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic capabilities with respect to the organ.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Manicka Institute LLCInventor: Yatheendhar D. Manicka
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Patent number: 12081942Abstract: Presented herein are techniques that use acoustic scene (environmental) analysis to determine the sound class of sound signals received at a hearing prosthesis and, accordingly, assess the estimated listening difficulty that the acoustic environment presents to a recipient of the hearing prosthesis. This difficulty of the recipient's listening situation can be used to adjust, adapt, or otherwise set the resolution of the electrical stimulation signals delivered to the recipient to evoke perception of the sound signals. In other words, the resolution of the electrical stimulation signals is dynamically adapted based on the present acoustic environment of the hearing prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Zachary Mark Smith
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Patent number: 12060265Abstract: A system for diagnosing the operating state of a MEMS sensor includes a stimulation circuit, external to the MEMS sensor, configured to generate a stimulation signal designed to be detected by the MEMS sensor. The system has control circuitry, operatively coupled to the stimulation circuit and to the MEMS sensor, so as to control the stimulation circuit to generate the stimulation signal and receive a diagnostic signal generated by the MEMS sensor in response to the stimulation signal. The control circuitry determines an operating state of the MEMS sensor based on the diagnostic signal and an expected response to the stimulation signal by the MEMS sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Enrico Rosario Alessi, Fabio Passaniti, Daniele Prati
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Patent number: 12036402Abstract: A method of forming a cochlear implant electrode array includes positioning a contact array assembly, which includes at least one carrier and a plurality of contacts on the at least one carrier, in a mold, removing at least a portion of the at least one carrier from the mold without removing the plurality of contacts from the mold, and introducing resilient material into the mold after the at least a portion of the at least one carrier has been removed to form a flexible body.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Paul Vincent Hoffman, Matthew Vadim Krywcun, Uli Gommel, James George Elcoate Smith
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Patent number: 12029893Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a wearable auricular stimulator includes a flexible body adapted to be worn at least partially around an auricle of a wearer, including an exterior for positioning in contact with a wearer's skin, and an interior for supporting a three-dimensional (3D) circuitry layout, including traces deposited on surfaces of the interior of the flexible body, electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to the wearer via a skin-facing side of the flexible body, and electronic component(s) electrically connected with the electrodes and the traces, the electronic components including a processing circuitry element for delivering electrical stimulation treatment(s) via the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2023Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Jared Wettenstein
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Patent number: 12023492Abstract: A neuromodulation system, device, and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation method includes providing a neuromodulation system including a processor, a signal generator communicatively coupled to the processor, and at least one transcutaneous electrode communicatively coupled to the signal generator. The method also includes causing the at least one transcutaneous electrode to be applied a human patient having at least one dysfunctional spinal circuit. The method further includes facilitating transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the patient's spinal cord via the processor in cooperation with the signal generator causing activation of at least one spinal network (“SN”) to enable or improve voluntary movements of the patient's arms, trunk, and legs, or autonomic control of at least one of sexual activity, vasomotor activity, speech, swallowing, chewing, cardiovascular function, respiratory activity, body temperature, metabolic processes, or cognitive function.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Yuri P. Gerasimenko, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, Daniel C. Lu
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Patent number: 12023486Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for stimulating one or more nerves with an implantable device. The implantable device may comprise an antenna circuit including a loop antenna and a control circuit including a rectifying diode for rectifying an alternating voltage induced in the antenna circuit by an external electromagnetic field. The implantable device may also include a chargeable storage element for storing energy from the rectified voltage without using a battery. The device may also include an electrode array containing a set of electrodes for emitting an electric field using the stored energy in response to a control signal received from the control circuit. The components of the device may be affixed onto a soft polymer substrate including a linkable peripheral tab on at least two edges of a substantially rectangular body section of the substrate for forming a cuff about the one or more nerves to be stimulated.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: GALVANI BIOELECTRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Brian Marc Pepin, Brian Otis
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Patent number: 12008892Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to facilitate creating the sensation of vibrotactile movement on the body of a user. Vibratory motors are used to generate a haptic language for music or other stimuli that is integrated into wearable technology. The disclosed system in certain embodiments enables the creation of a family of devices that allow people such as those with hearing impairments to experience sounds such as music or other input to the system. For example, a “sound vest” or other wearable array transforms musical input to haptic signals so that users can experience their favorite music in a unique way, and can also recognize auditory or other cues in the user's real or virtual reality environment and convey this information to the user using haptic signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Not Impossible, LLCInventors: Mick Ebeling, Daniel Biscaro Loureiro, Patrick Hanlon, David Francis Putrino
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Patent number: 12009008Abstract: A method, including capturing an individual's voice with a machine, and logging data corresponding to events and/or actions of the individual's real world auditory environment, wherein the individual is speaking while using a hearing assistance device, and the hearing assistance device at least one of corresponds to the machine or is a device used to execute the action of logging data.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Janette Oliver, Jim May, Christopher Bennett
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Patent number: 12009005Abstract: A method for rating the speech quality of a speech signal by a hearing device. An acousto-electric input transducer records sound containing the speech signal and converts it into an input audio signal. At least one articulatory and/or prosodic property of the speech signal is quantitatively acquired through analysis of the input audio signal, and a quantitative measure of speech quality is derived based on the articulatory and/or prosodic property. A hearing device with an acousto-electric input transducer configured to record a sound and convert it into an input audio signal, and a signal processing apparatus that is designed to quantitatively acquire at least one articulatory and/or prosodic property of a component, contained in the input audio signal, of a speech signal based on analysis of the input audio signal and to derive a quantitative measure of the speech quality based on the at least one articulatory and/or prosodic property.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Jana Thiemt, Marko Lugger
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Patent number: 12003924Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contact hearing device comprising a piezoelectric actuator. The attachment of the piezoelectric actuator to a tympanic membrane can vibrate the tympanic membrane based on a transmission received by the receiver assembly and produce perception of sounds.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventor: Paul Rucker
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Patent number: 11997458Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Cem Shaquer, Louis Wong, Kulbir Sandhu, Mudhafar Hassan Ali, Thanh Tran
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Patent number: 11990222Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing model-based cochlear implant programming (MOCIP) on a living subject with a cochlear implant (CI) to determine stimulation settings of a patient-customized electro-neural interface (ENI) model. The method includes: localizing an electrode array of the CI and intracochlear structures of the living subject to determine patient-specific electrode positions of the CI and a patient-specific anatomy shape; generating a CI electric field model based on the patient-specific electrodes positions of the CI and the patient-specific anatomy shape; and establishing an auditory nerve fiber (ANF) bundle model using the CI electric field model, and estimating neural health of the living subject using the ANF bundle model applications of the same.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Jack H. Noble, Ahmet Cakir, Benoit M. Dawant, Robert F. Labadie, Rene H. Gifford
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Patent number: 11985482Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for neural network-driven feedback cancellation for hearing assistance devices. Various embodiments include a method of signal processing an input signal in a hearing assistance device to mitigate entrainment, the hearing assistance device including a receiver and a microphone. The method includes performing neural network processing to identify acoustic features in a plurality of audio signals and predict target outputs for the plurality of audio signals, and using the trained neural network to control acoustic feedback cancellation of the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Kelly Fitz, Carlos Renato Calcada Nakagawa, Tao Zhang
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Patent number: 11979719Abstract: Presented herein are techniques that make use of objective measurements obtained in response to acoustic stimulation signals. More specifically, at least one measure of outer hair cell function and at least one measure of auditory nerve function are obtained from a tonotopic region of an inner ear of a recipient of a hearing prosthesis. The at least one measure of auditory nerve function and the least one measure of outer hair cell function are then analyzed relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: John Michael Heasman, Kerrie Plant, Peter Gibson, Stephen O'Leary, Luke Campbell
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Patent number: 11975192Abstract: A hearing-aid apparatus includes an audio collector, an audio processor, a speaker and an inner-ear implant device. The audio collector collects audio information. The speaker generates a sound wave by reference to the audio information. The sound wave is transmitted to an inner ear of a user. The inner-ear implant device is implanted aside a round window of the user for generating an electrical signal encoded by the audio processor based on the audio information to stimulate high frequency auditory nerve cells of the user with an electrode of the inner-ear implant device. The audio wave sent to the inner ear of and the electrical signal stimulating the auditory nerve cells together form an integrated auditory recognition corresponding to the audio information.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Inventor: Taiting Chen
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Patent number: 11979715Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for enhancing a hearing prosthesis recipient's perception of multiple frequencies present in received sound signals. The hearing prosthesis is configured to extract a plurality of frequencies from the received sound signals and to use the plurality of frequencies to modulate the amplitudes of different stimulation pulse sequences that are to be delivered to the recipient via different stimulation channels. The hearing prosthesis may also adapt a stimulation resolution of the stimulation pulse sequences when delivering the modulated stimulation pulses sequences to the recipient.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Naomi Croghan, Harish Krishnamoorthi, Zachary Mark Smith
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Patent number: 11957898Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that receives input data or signals, and optionally, power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package, processes the input data and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium, or on the dura, or on or in the brain.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert J Greenberg, Brian V Mech, Kelly H McClure
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Patent number: 11956584Abstract: The present disclosure provides an earphone comprising a sound production component and an ear hook. In a wearing state, the ear hook is configured to place the sound production component at a position near an ear canal but not blocking the ear canal. An inner contour of the ear hook's projection on a user's sagittal plane includes a first curve having an extremum point in a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to a long-axis direction of a projection of the sound production component on the sagittal plane. The extremum point is located behind a projection point of an upper vertex of the ear hook on the sagittal plane, and the upper vertex is a highest point of an inner contour of the ear hook along the user's vertical axis. An inclination angle of the long-axis direction relative to a horizontal direction is within a range of 13°-21°.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Peigeng Tong, Guolin Xie, Yongjian Li, Jiang Xu, Tao Zhao, Duoduo Wu, Ao Ji, Xin Qi, Zeying Zheng, Haofeng Zhang
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Patent number: 11951064Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising an apparatus for treating a sexually dysfunctional male patient. The apparatus comprises at least one implantable vibrator adapted to be implanted within at least one corpus cavernosum of a human patient, wherein said vibrator is adapted to cause vibration in at least one of the corpus cavernosum for stimulating the sexually responsive tissue of the penis. The system further comprises an operation device adapted to operate the vibrator.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Inventor: Peter Forsell
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Patent number: 11944832Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD), for electrical stimulation of a tissue includes a light source, lodged in an encapsulation unit, for delivering optical energy pulses of optical power (Popt). A stimulation optical fibre for transferring optical energy from the light source of the encapsulation unit to the tissue coupling unit is also provided. The tissue coupling unit is configured for being coupled to a tissue to be electrically stimulated by electrodes (65) belonging to an electrical circuit. The PV-unit includes Us units arranged in series, each unit having Pp photovoltaic cells (PV-cells) arranged in parallel. Us and Pp, ?N, and Us×Pp=N=constant. The electrical circuit includes switches configured for varying the values of Us and alternatively or concomitantly, the light source is an addressable optical emitters array.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Synergia MedicalInventors: Pascal Doguet, Jérôme Garnier, Yohan Botquin
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Patent number: 11938331Abstract: The present invention is related to an implantable medical device. The medical device comprises an implantable component having a receiver unit; an external charging module having a power transmitter unit; and a data module having a data transmitter unit. The units are configured to establish a transcutaneous communication link over which data and power is transmitted on a single frequency channel via a time interleaving scheme comprising successive frames each divided into at least two time slots, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the data transmitter unit, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the power transmitter unit, and wherein data and power are transmitted by the transmitter units during their allotted time slots.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Werner Meskens
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Patent number: 11938319Abstract: A magnet arrangement for a hearing implant device is described. A magnet case is contained within an implantable device and has a central case axis of symmetry that is perpendicular to the outermost surface of the implantable device. The magnet case is configured to be freely rotatable within the implantable device about the case axis of symmetry. An implant magnet is contained within the magnet case and consists of a single cylindrical magnet having a central magnet axis of symmetry perpendicular to the case axis of symmetry. The implant magnet is configured to be freely rotatable within the magnet case about the magnet axis of symmetry.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBHInventor: Martin Zimmerling
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Patent number: 11937048Abstract: An implantable hearing unit is provided that includes an implantable microphone, a rechargeable power storage device and a speech signal processor. The hearing unit further includes a signal coupling device that is adapted for electrical interconnection to an implantable auditory stimulation device, which is operative to stimulate an auditory component of a patient. Such a stimulation device may include cochlear implants, brain stem stimulation systems, auditory nerve stimulation systems, and middle or inner ear transducer systems. The signal coupling device is operative to provide processed drive signals from the signal processor to the stimulation device as well provide power from the power storage device to operate the stimulation device. In one arrangement, the signal coupling device is a wireless coupling between first and second coils. In such an arrangement, the hearing unit may be utilized with an existing implanted stimulation device to make that device a fully implanted hearing system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: James Frank Kasic, James R. Easter
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Patent number: 11918808Abstract: An implantable medical device, including a magnet and a body encompassing the magnet, wherein the implantable medical device includes structural components in the body configured to move away from one another upon initial rotation of the magnet relative to the body when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, thereby limiting rotation of the magnet beyond the initial rotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Charles Roger Aaron Leigh, Grahame Michael David Walling, Mark Alan Von Huben, James Vandyke, Nam Long Tuong
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Patent number: 11923700Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one first circuit configured to generate a first time-varying magnetic field for magnetic induction power transfer to a device, at least one second circuit configured to generate and/or receive a second time-varying magnetic field for magnetic induction data transfer to and/or from the device, and at least one third circuit configured to generate a third time-varying magnetic field in response to a time-varying electric current. The third time-varying magnetic field is configured to at least partially inhibit degradation of said data transfer from the first time-varying magnetic field. The apparatus further includes at least one fourth circuit configured to generate the time-varying electric current in response to a received portion of the first time-varying magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Oliver John Ridler