Dual coil floating mass transducers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for improving hearing, comprising:
- a housing;
at least one coil coupled to an exterior of the housing; and
a magnet positioned within the housing so that an electrical signal through the at least one coil causes the magnet to vibrate relative to the housing, wherein vibration of the magnet causes inertial vibration of the housing in order to improve hearing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person'"'"'s hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.
186 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for improving hearing, comprising:
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a housing; at least one coil coupled to an exterior of the housing; and a magnet positioned within the housing so that an electrical signal through the at least one coil causes the magnet to vibrate relative to the housing, wherein vibration of the magnet causes inertial vibration of the housing in order to improve hearing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for improving hearing, comprising:
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a cylindrical housing having two ends; a pair of coils coupled to an exterior of the housing; and a cylindrical magnet positioned within the housing so that an electrical signal through the at least one coil causes the magnet to vibrate relative to the housing, wherein vibration of the magnet causes inertial vibration of the housing in order to improve hearing. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for improving hearing, comprising:
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a cylindrical housing having two ends and a pair of grooves between the two ends; a pair of coils coupled to an exterior of the housing, each coil being wound around one of the pair of grooves; and a cylindrical magnet positioned within the housing so that an electrical signal through the at least one coil causes the magnet to vibrate relative to the housing, wherein vibration of the magnet causes inertial vibration of the housing in order to improve hearing. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for improving hearing, comprising:
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an audio processor that generates electrical signals in response to ambient sounds; and a transducer electrically coupled to the audio processor, the transducer comprising; a housing; at least one coil coupled to an exterior of the housing; and a magnet positioned within the housing so that an electrical signal through the at least one coil causes the magnet to vibrate relative to the housing, wherein vibration of the magnet causes inertial vibration of the housing in order to improve hearing.
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Specification