Attaching an implantable hearing aid microactuator
First Claim
1. A casing and microactuator assembly adapted for implantation into a fenestration that pierces a promontory of an otic capsule bone, the casing and microactuator assembly comprising:
- a microactuator; and
a casing comprising;
a) a hollow sleeve having an outer surface which has a first end configured to be received into the fenestration, the outer surface of said sleeve being configured to mate with the fenestration for securing the casing within the fenestration, said hollow sleeve also having an inner surface adapted to receive a barrel of the microactuator;
b) a flange integral with said sleeve that projects outward from the outer surface of said sleeve about a second end of said sleeve that is located distal from the first end of said sleeve, said flange having an engagement surface for limiting a depth to which the first end of said sleeve may enter into the fenestration; and
c) fastening means for securing the microactuator to the casing when the barrel of the microactuator is received into said sleeve.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A microactuator (32) of an implantable hearing aid system (10) is secured within a casing (50) implanted into a fenestration (52) that pierces the promontory (18) of the otic capsule bone (31). The casing (50) includes a hollow sleeve (62) that has an outer surface (64) and a first end (66) that is received into the fenestration (52). The sleeve (62) also includes an inner surface (68) adapted to receive a barrel (74) of the microactuator (32). The casing (62) also includes a flange (76) that is integral with the sleeve (62) and projects outward from the outer surface (64) of the sleeve (62) about a second end (78) of the sleeve (62). Various means secure the sleeve (62) within the fenestration (52) such as screwing into the promontory (18) or clamping to the promontory (18). The casing may fasten the microactuator (32) to the casing (50) by a threaded attachment, with screws, with button-and-socket snap fasteners, or with a slotted tongue-and-groove lock. A dummy plug may replace the microactuator (32) should removal become necessary.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A casing and microactuator assembly adapted for implantation into a fenestration that pierces a promontory of an otic capsule bone, the casing and microactuator assembly comprising:
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a microactuator; and a casing comprising; a) a hollow sleeve having an outer surface which has a first end configured to be received into the fenestration, the outer surface of said sleeve being configured to mate with the fenestration for securing the casing within the fenestration, said hollow sleeve also having an inner surface adapted to receive a barrel of the microactuator; b) a flange integral with said sleeve that projects outward from the outer surface of said sleeve about a second end of said sleeve that is located distal from the first end of said sleeve, said flange having an engagement surface for limiting a depth to which the first end of said sleeve may enter into the fenestration; and c) fastening means for securing the microactuator to the casing when the barrel of the microactuator is received into said sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification