DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CHARGING MEDICAL DEVICES

• US 20150380972A1
• Filed: 06/27/2014
• Published: 12/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cochlear Limited
• Original Assignee: Cochlear Limited
• Inventors: Fort, Andrew David
• Granted Patent: US 11,103,715 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0541 Cochlear electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36038 Cochlear stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36125 Details of circuitry or electric components
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/402 the two or more transmitting or the two or more receiving devices being integrated in the same unit, e.g. power mats with several coils or antennas with several sub-antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/50 using additional energy repeaters between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices

Abstract

Devices and methods are used to bridge between standard wireless charging protocols and proprietary wireless charging protocols utilized in auditory prostheses. Such devices are portable and can enable a recipient to charge her device whenever wireless power is available. Additionally, the recipient can change settings on her prosthesis, via the bridge device, while her prosthesis is charging.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first induction device for receiving a first wireless charging protocol having a first frequency;

a second induction device for transmitting a second wireless charging protocol having a second frequency; and

a conversion circuit operably connected to the first induction device and the second induction device for converting the first wireless charging protocol to the second wireless charging protocol.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the first induction device and the conversion circuit are disposed within the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a third induction device disposed remote from the housing and connected to the conversion circuit with a cable.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first induction device comprises a receiver coil and the second induction device comprises a transmitter coil.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first induction device is disposed about an outer perimeter of the second induction device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second induction device comprises a plurality of second induction devices.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a battery and a power cable.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an input disposed on the housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the input comprises at least one of a microphone, a button, a switch, a port, and a graphic user interface.

10. A method comprising:

receiving, from a wireless charger device, a first wireless charging protocol having a first frequency;

converting the first wireless charging protocol to a second wireless charging protocol having a second frequency; and

transmitting, to a first portable device, the second wireless charging protocol.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

identifying the first portable device; and

selecting the second wireless charging protocol based at least in part on the identified first portable device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the identifying operation comprises receiving a signal from the first portable device.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving an input signal.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting a data signal to the first portable device based at least in part on the input signal.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

converting the first wireless charging protocol to a third wireless charging protocol having a third frequency; and

transmitting, to a third portable device, the third wireless charging protocol.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the third wireless charging protocol is substantially similar to the first wireless charging protocol.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the second wireless charging protocol to the first portable device and transmitting the third wireless charging protocol to the second portable device occurs simultaneously.

18. An apparatus comprising:

a first device for receiving a first wireless charging protocol;

a conversion circuit for converting the first charging protocol into a second wireless charging protocol; and

a second device for transmitting the second wireless charging protocol.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first wireless charging protocol is based at least in part on energy received from an induction device, a battery, and a building power source.

20. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first device and the second device each comprise coils.