Battery terminal sealing and supporting device and method

• US 20030171783A1
• Filed: 04/17/2002
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Quallion, LLC (EnerSys)
• Original Assignee: Quallion, LLC (EnerSys)
• Inventors: Tsukamoto, Hisashi, Nagata, Mikito, DeMuth, David, Bowers, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,003,356 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/36
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections

Abstract

The present invention is an efficient and economical battery sealing and supporting device and method. Among a variety of possible applications, the present invention may be utilized as an improved device and method that facilitates the use of cochlear stimulators designed to allow deaf and near deaf patients to experience the sensation of sound waves through electromechanical stimulation. The present invention eliminates the introduction of sweat, body fluid and other contaminants to the battery terminal connection area, which results in corrosion and eventually disables the connected device. Given its broad scope, the technology associated with the present invention is useful in medical and other areas, such as in military applications, hand-held computer and Internet systems and personal entertainment devices.

Claims

1. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first connection component, said first connection component having a terminal socket;

a battery unit having a second connection component;

said second connection component comprising a terminal post for insertion into said terminal socket, said battery unit detachably connectable to said electrical apparatus; and

a seal mounted to one of said first and second connection components, whereby connection of said first connection component to said second connection component prevents intrusion of contaminants and provides mechanical stability between said electrical apparatus and said battery unit, and whereby insertion of said terminal post into said terminal socket provides electrical connection from said battery unit to said electrical apparatus.

2. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said seal is an o-ring.

3. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said electrical apparatus is a medical device.

4. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 2, wherein said electrical apparatus is a medical device.

5. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

6. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 2, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

7. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said first connection component is a male insert having a periphery, and wherein said second connection component is a female acceptor, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

8. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 7, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

9. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 2, wherein said first connection component is a male insert having a periphery, and wherein said second connection component is a female acceptor, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

10. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 9, wherein said o-ring is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

11. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 6, wherein said first connection component is a male insert having a periphery, and wherein said second connection component is a female acceptor, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

12. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 11, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

13. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said first connection component is a female acceptor, and wherein said second connection component is a male insert having a periphery, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

14. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 13, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

15. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 1, wherein said battery unit is rechargeable.

16. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first connection component, said first connection component having a terminal post;

a battery unit having a second connection component, said second connection component comprising a terminal socket for inserting said terminal post, said battery unit detachably connectable to said electrical apparatus; and

a seal mounted to one of said first and second connection components, whereby connection of said first connection component to said second connection component prevents intrusion of contaminants and provides mechanical stability between said electrical apparatus and said battery unit, and whereby insertion of said terminal post into said terminal socket provides electrical connection from said electrical apparatus to said battery unit.

17. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 16, wherein said first connection component is a male insert having a periphery, and wherein said second connection component is a female acceptor, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

18. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 17, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

19. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 16, wherein said first connection component is a female acceptor, and wherein said second connection component is a male insert having a periphery, such that connection is accomplished by inserting said male insert into said female acceptor.

20. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 19, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

21. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 16, wherein said battery unit is rechargeable.

22. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

a medical apparatus having an integral male insert, said male insert having a pair of terminal sockets;

a battery unit having a female acceptor integral to said battery unit, said female acceptor comprising a pair of terminal posts for insertion into said pair of terminal sockets, said battery unit detachably connectable to said medical apparatus; and

an o-ring mounted to said male insert.

23. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 22, wherein said medical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

24. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 23, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

25. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

a housing containing a microprocessor and electronic circuitry, said housing having a first slide;

a battery unit having a second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide;

a pair of terminal posts having a base portion mounted within said first slide;

a pair of terminal sockets disposed within said second slide for inserting said pair of terminal posts; and

a seal mounted to said base portion of said pair of terminal posts.

26. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 25, wherein said electronic circuitry is cochlear stimulator circuitry.

27. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 25, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

28. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 26, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

29. A battery sealing and supporting device of claim 25 wherein said seal comprises a pair of miniature o-rings.

30. A battery sealing and supporting device of claim 25 wherein said seal comprises a plate made of elastomeric material.

31. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first slide;

a battery unit having a second slide, said second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide;

a pair of terminal sockets disposed within said first slide;

a pair of terminal posts having a base portion mounted within said second slide for insertion into said pair of terminal sockets; and

a seal mounted to said base portion of said pair of terminal posts.

32. A battery sealing and supporting device of claim 31 wherein said seal comprises a pair of miniature o-rings.

33. A battery sealing and supporting device of claim 31 wherein said seal comprises a plate made of elastomeric material.

34. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first slide, a pair of terminal posts, and a sheath at least partly surrounding said pair of terminal posts;

a battery unit having a second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide, a housing located in the region of said second slide, said housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, and a pair of terminal sockets disposed in said inner portion of said housing for insertion of said terminal posts; and

a gasket mounted to said outer portion of said housing for sealing against said sheath.

35. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 34, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

36. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 34, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

37. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 35, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

38. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 37, and further comprising a seal mounted to said pair of terminal posts.

39. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 38, wherein said seal is a pair of miniature o-rings.

40. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 38, w herein said seal is a plate made of elastomeric material.

41. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first slide, a housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, and a pair of terminal sockets disposed in said inner portion of said housing;

a battery unit having a second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide, a pair of terminal posts for insertion into said terminal sockets, and a sheath at least partly surrounding said pair of terminal posts; and

a gasket mounted to said outer portion of said housing for sealing against said sheath.

42. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 41, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

43. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 41, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

44. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 42, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

45. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 41, and further comprising a seal mounted to said pair of terminal posts.

46. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 45, wherein said seal is a pair of miniature o-rings.

47. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 45, wherein said seal is a plate made of elastomeric material.

48. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first slide, a pair of terminal sockets, and a sheath at least partly surrounding said pair of terminal sockets;

a battery unit having a second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide, a housing located in the region of said second slide, said housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, and a pair of terminal posts mounted to said inner portion of said housing for insertion into said terminal sockets; and

a gasket mounted to said outer portion of said housing for sealing against said sheath.

49. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 48, and further comprising a seal mounted to said terminal posts.

50. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 49, wherein said seal is a pair of miniature o-rings.

51. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 49, wherein said seal is a plate made of elastomeric material.

52. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first slide, a housing located in the region of said second slide, said housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, and a pair of terminal sockets disposed in said inner portion of said housing;

a battery unit having a second slide designed to slidingly connect to said first slide, a pair of terminal posts for insertion into said terminal sockets, and a sheath at least partly surrounding said pair of terminal posts; and

a gasket mounted to said outer portion of said housing for sealing against said sheath.

53. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 52, and further comprising a seal mounted to said terminal posts.

54. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 53, wherein said seal is a pair of miniature o-rings.

55. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 53, wherein said seal is a plate made of elastomeric material.

56. A battery sealing and supporting method comprising:

mounting a seal on a male insert;

said male insert formed integral with an electrical apparatus;

mechanically connecting said electrical apparatus to a battery unit by inserting said male insert into a female acceptor, said female acceptor formed integral with said battery unit; and

electrically connecting said electrical apparatus to said battery unit by inserting a pair of terminal posts into a pair of terminal sockets, said pair of terminal posts housed inside said female acceptor of said electrical apparatus, said pair of terminal sockets disposed on said male insert of said battery unit.

57. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 56, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

58. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 56, wherein said seal is an o-ring.

59. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 57, wherein said seal is an o-ring.

60. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 56, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

61. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 57, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

62. A battery sealing and supporting method comprising:

mounting a pair of miniature o-rings on a pair of terminal posts, said pair of terminal posts mounted within a first slide;

said first slide formed integral with an electrical apparatus;

mounting a gasket on a housing, said housing mounted integral with a second slide, said second slide formed integral with a battery unit;

mechanically connecting and sealing said electrical apparatus to said battery unit by locking said second slide with said first slide; and

electrically connecting said electrical apparatus to said battery unit by inserting said pair of terminal posts into a pair of terminal sockets, said pair of terminal sockets disposed within said housing.

63. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 62, wherein said electrical apparatus is a cochlear stimulator.

64. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 62, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

65. A battery sealing and supporting method in claim 63, wherein said battery unit comprises a lithium ion battery.

66. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

a hearing device wearable behind an ear and having a first connection component, said first connection component having a terminal socket;

a battery unit detachably mountable to said hearing device, said battery unit having a second connection component, said second connection component comprising a terminal post for insertion into said terminal socket; and

a seal mounted to one of said first and second connection components, whereby connection of said first connection component to said second connection component prevents intrusion of contaminants and provides mechanical stability between said hearing device and said battery unit, and whereby insertion of said terminal post into said terminal socket provides electrical connection between said battery unit and said hearing device.

67. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 66, wherein said hearing device comprises a cochlear stimulator having an external portion and an implanted portion, said external portion capable of interacting with said implanted portion.

68. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 66, wherein said hearing device comprises a housing having a portion on a dry side of said seal and a portion on a wet side of said seal, and wherein the wet side housing portion comprises a single material.

69. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 66, wherein said connection component to which seal is mounted comprises a groove and wherein said seal partially resides in said groove.

70. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first connection component, said first connection component comprising a male insert having a periphery and a terminal socket;

a battery unit having a second connection component;

said second connection component comprising a female acceptor having a terminal post for insertion into said terminal socket, said battery unit detachably connectable to said electrical apparatus; and

a seal mounted to one of said first and second connection components, whereby insertion of said male insert into said female acceptor prevents intrusion of contaminants and provides mechanical stability between said electrical apparatus and said battery unit, and whereby insertion of said terminal post into said terminal socket provides electrical connection from said battery unit to said electrical apparatus.

71. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 70, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

72. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 70 wherein said electrical apparatus comprises a housing having a portion on a dry side of said seal and a portion on a wet side of said seal, and wherein the wet side portion comprises a single material.

73. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 70 wherein said one of said first and second connection components to which seal is mounted comprises a groove and wherein said seal is partially resides in said groove.

74. A battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

an electrical apparatus having a first connection component, said first connection component comprising a female acceptor having a terminal post;

a battery unit having a second connection component, said second connection component comprising a male insert having a periphery and a terminal socket for inserting said terminal post, said battery unit detachably connectable to said electrical apparatus; and

a seal mounted to one of said first and second connection components, whereby insertion of said male insert into said female acceptor prevents intrusion of contaminants and provides mechanical stability between said electrical apparatus and said battery unit, and whereby insertion of said terminal post into said terminal socket provides electrical connection from said electrical apparatus to said battery unit.

75. A battery sealing and supporting device in claim 74, wherein said seal is mounted to said periphery of said male insert.

76. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 74 wherein said electrical apparatus comprises a housing having a portion on a dry side of said seal and a portion on a wet side of said seal, and wherein the wet side portion comprises a single material.

77. The battery sealing and supporting device of claim 74 wherein said one of said first and second connection components to which seal is mounted comprises a groove and wherein said seal is partially resides in said groove.

78. A method for using a battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

providing an electrical apparatus having a male insert formed integral with the electrical apparatus and having a pair of terminal sockets disposed on the male insert and a seal on a periphery of the male insert;

providing a rechargeable battery unit having a female acceptor formed integral with the battery unit and having a pair of terminal posts housed inside the female acceptor; and

inserting the male insert into the female acceptor simultaneous with inserting the pair of terminal posts into the pair of terminal sockets.

79. The method of claim 78 and further comprising the step of wearing the electrical apparatus connected to the battery behind an ear.

80. The method of claim 79 and further comprising the steps of:

removing the electrical apparatus and battery from behind the ear at least once per day;

separating the battery unit from the electrical apparatus by removing the male insert from the female acceptor and removing the terminal posts from the terminal sockets-recharging the battery; and

installing a charged battery onto the electrical apparatus.

81. A method for using a battery sealing and supporting device comprising:

providing an electrical apparatus having a first slide formed integral with the electrical apparatus pair of terminal posts mounted within a first slide;

providing a battery unit having a second slide formed integral with a battery unit, housing mounted integral with the second slide, pair of terminal sockets disposed within the housing, and a gasket mounted on the housing;

inserting the pair of terminal posts into the pair of terminal sockets simultaneous with sliding the first and second slides together.

82. The method of claim 81 and further comprising the step of wearing the electrical apparatus connected to the battery behind an ear.

83. The method of claim 82 and further comprising the steps of:

removing the electrical apparatus and battery from behind the ear at least once per day;

separating the battery unit from the electrical apparatus by removing the terminal posts from the terminal sockets and sliding the first and second slides apart;

recharging the battery; and

installing a charged battery onto the electrical apparatus.