Articulation assembly for intracanal hearing devices
US6212283A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/658
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a ball joint assembly for articulated hearing devices. The ball joint assembly acoustically and mechanically separates a receiver module, placed deeply within the ear canal near the tympanic membrane, from a main module, placed relatively distal to the tympanic membrane. The ball joint assembly allows for independent and free movement of the receiver module with respect to the main module. The ball joint assembly has a central axial conduit for conducting electrical wiring from the main module to the receiver module. The ball joint assembly has built in features to limit its range of motion to prevent damage to the wiring conducted within the ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly and range limiting features are essentially fully contained within the wall of the main housing, thus minimizing the size of the hearing device and allowing for a deep and comfortable placement within the ear canal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.