Piezoelectric film transducer
US5762583A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R17/00
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.