Speech processor cases

• US 8,068,914 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2005
• Issued: 11/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG (Sonova Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Bionics LLC (Sonova Holding AG)
• Inventors: Arnold, Anthony K., Karunasiri, Rankiri Tissa, Walsh, Thomas Patrick, Ross, Richard C., Woods, Carla Mann
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patel; Natasha N
• Application Number:
  US11/121,756
• Time in Patent Office: 2,400 Days
• Field of Search: 607 55- 57, 607 36- 37, 607/48, 607/60, 607/115, 607136-139
• US Class Current: 607/55
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0541 Cochlear electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36038 Cochlear stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37518 Anchoring of the implants, e.g. fixation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3758 Packaging of the components within the casing

Abstract

A case for use with a speech processor unit including a housing configured to receive the speech processor unit and a connector configured to be connected to a connector on the speech processor unit.

Claims

1. A case, comprising:

a housing including

a base member,

a speech processor storage area configured to receive a speech processor unit that has a speech processor unit headpiece connector and a user-manipulatable volume control device,

a processor cover movable relative to the base member between a closed position substantially aligned with the speech processor storage area and an open position, and

means for docking the speech processor unit such that the user-manipulatable volume control device faces and is covered by the processor cover when the processor cover is in the closed orientation and is not covered by the processor cover when the processor cover is in the open orientation;

a housing headpiece connector associated with the speech processor storage area and configured to be connected to the speech processor unit headpiece connector; and

means for operably connecting the housing headpiece connector to a speech processor headpiece that is configured to transmit signals to an implanted cochlear stimulator.

2. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speech processor unit includes a power connector, the case further comprising:

a power supply receptacle; and

a power connector operably connected to the power supply receptacle, associated with the speech processor storage area, and configured to electrically connect to the speech processor power connector to the power supply receptacle.

3. A case, comprising:

a housing including

a base member,

a speech processor storage area configured to receive a speech processor unit that has a power connector and a user-manipulatable control device, and

a processor cover movable relative to the base member between a closed position substantially aligned with the speech processor storage area and an open position,

the housing being configured to dock the speech processor unit such that the user-manipulatable control device faces and is covered by the processor cover when the processor cover is in the closed orientation and is not covered by the processor cover when the processor cover is in the open orientation;

a power supply receptacle within the housing in a location other than the speech processor storage area, configured to store a power supply, and including electrical contacts; and

means, associated with the speech processor storage area, for non-permanently electrically connecting the power supply receptacle electrical contacts to the speech processor unit power connector when the speech processor unit is positioned within the speech processor storage area.

4. A case as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speech processor unit includes a headpiece connector, the case further comprising:

a housing headpiece connector associated with the speech processor storage area and configured to be connected to the speech processor unit headpiece connector.

5. A case as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power supply receptacle is configured to store an electrochemical cell.