Precision micro-hole for extended life batteries
First Claim
1. A metal-air battery for an extended wear hearing aid, the battery comprising:
- an air cathode assembly;
an anode assembly coupled to the air cathode assembly; and
an enclosure enclosing the air cathode assembly and anode assembly, the enclosure including a diffusion control element having a dimensional property configured for controlling oxygen and moisture diffusion into the metal-air battery to maintain a minimum battery voltage when the hearing aid is operating and worn in an ear canal of a user over an extended period, wherein the enclosure comprises a metal shell having at least one hole and wherein the diffusion control element comprises a polymer layer having a precision micro-hole formed therein and being arranged in series with the hole in the shell to control oxygen and moisture diffusion to the battery.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various embodiments of the invention provide an enclosure for a metal-air battery assembly for an extended wear hearing aid. The enclosure includes a diffusion control element having a dimensional property configured for controlling oxygen and moisture diffusion into the metal-air battery assembly to maintain a minimum battery voltage when the hearing aid is operating and worn in an ear canal of a user over an extended period. In an embodiment, the enclosure can comprise a shell with a base end having an opening therein forming a cavity within the shell and a base cap for covering the opening of the base end. A diffusion element is disposed on the base cap. In an embodiment, the diffusion element comprises a laser drilled precision micro hole having an aspect ratio of least about four and a diameter in the range of about 10 to 15 microns.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A metal-air battery for an extended wear hearing aid, the battery comprising:
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an air cathode assembly; an anode assembly coupled to the air cathode assembly; and an enclosure enclosing the air cathode assembly and anode assembly, the enclosure including a diffusion control element having a dimensional property configured for controlling oxygen and moisture diffusion into the metal-air battery to maintain a minimum battery voltage when the hearing aid is operating and worn in an ear canal of a user over an extended period, wherein the enclosure comprises a metal shell having at least one hole and wherein the diffusion control element comprises a polymer layer having a precision micro-hole formed therein and being arranged in series with the hole in the shell to control oxygen and moisture diffusion to the battery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification