Control switch and potentiometer for hearing aids and the like
US4803458A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1987 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/61
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control switch and potentiometer assembly for use in an in-the-canal type hearing air comprising a miniature single pole, single or double throw, push-pull control switch and rotary potentiometer. The components of the control switch and potentiometer are mounted within a durable thermoplastic resin housing which is anchored within the hearing aid. A single control knob for actuation of the control switch and potentiometer is raised and shaped to permit gripping between the fingertips of the user for removing the hearing aid from the ear canal. The switch contacts and switch wiper are designed such that the process of pulling on the potentiometer control knob to remove the hearing aid will extend the control switch, thereby disengaging a normally closed switch contact and opening a battery powered circuit so as to turn the hearing aid off. A contact leg portion of a switch wiper has a projecting corner which slidingly engages a ramp section on one of the switch contacts, thereby providing an adjustable spring force which resists moving the potentiometer control knob between the extended and retracted positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.