Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source
US7349741B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/31
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cochlear implant sound processor is powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently integrated into the sound processor. The sound processor contains an inductive coil that may be tuned to an external charging coil for battery recharging. The electronic circuits and coil of the sound processor are housed in a material transparent to RF signals. The sound processor may be placed in a recharging base station in which the sound processor is positioned in a space surrounded by the inductive charging coil embedded in a material transparent to RF signals. The inductive charging coil sends power to the coil inside the processor and thereby recharges the battery. An alternative embodiment utilizes contacts in the sound processor case and aligned terminals in the recharging base station that allow direct charging of the battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.