Hearing aid battery barrier
US7991174B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2460/11
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a barrier for protecting hearing aid metal-air battery assemblies from exposure to liquids causing obstruction of a battery air vent. One embodiment provides a barrier configured to be attached to a CIC hearing aid battery having a vent. The barrier has an oxygen permeability configured to allow the diffusion of sufficient oxygen for a battery to meet the power demands of a hearing aid operating in the bony portion of the ear canal over an extended time period. The barrier has a physical property configured to substantially prevent liquid obstruction of at least a portion of the vent on a metal-air battery such as a zinc-air battery. The physical property can be at least one of a hydrophobicity, oleophobocity or surface energy. The barrier can be directly attached to the battery or indirectly via a holder and can encase substantially the entire battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.