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Flextensional output actuators for surgically implantable hearing aids

  • US 6,629,922 B1
  • Filed: 10/29/1999
  • Issued: 10/07/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable hearing aid for placement substantially proximate to a middle ear or an inner ear comprising:

  • a) at least one output actuator comprising a substrate having a first and second opposing surfaces, a thickness, and a transverse size, said substrate being comprised of a material which changes in said thickness and said transverse size upon application of a voltage;

    b) a first end cap having a first actuating surface, said first end cap fixedly attached to a portion of a first planar surface where a change in said transverse size of said substrate produces a proportional movement in said first actuating surface in a direction orthogonal to said planar surface; and

    c) a biocompatible material isolating at least a portion of said output actuator.

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