Connector system for BTE hearing devices
AssigneeAdvanced Bionics AG
InventorsGeorge Tziviskos, Tom J. Law
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A connector system for Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing devices provides a means to detachably connect a plurality of earhooks, which earhooks include special earhooks providing auxiliary functions. The connector system includes a coaxial connector mounted on the BTE device, which coaxial connector provides both an earhook mounting fixture, and an electrical connector for auxiliary functions. The auxiliary functions include a telecoil, an auxiliary microphone positioned proximal to an ear canal, an FM receiver, and an input jack for miscellaneous devices. The earhook mounting fixture also accepts standard off-the-shelf earhooks. A friction fit is provided between the earhook and the BTE device so that the angular position of the earhook may be adjusted for a comfortable fit.
Claims23
A connector system for connecting an auxiliary device to a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, comprising a connector and an auxiliary connector,
- wherein the connector comprises:
- a connector body, wherein the connector body is attached to the BTE device, wherein the connector body is coaxial, wherein the connector body is manufactured from an electrically conducing material, and wherein the connector body includes a means for mechanical attachment;
- and
- means for electrical connection, wherein the means for electrical connection is electrically connectable to at least one lead within the BTE device;
- and
- wherein the auxiliary connector comprises:
- an auxiliary body, wherein the auxiliary body is attached to the auxiliary device, and wherein the auxiliary body includes an auxiliary means for mechanical attachment, and wherein the means for mechanical attachment cooperates with the auxiliary means for mechanical attachment, which cooperation removably attaches the auxiliary device to the BTE device, and
- auxiliary means for electrical connection, wherein the auxiliary means for electrical connection is connectable to at least one auxiliary lead within the auxiliary device, and wherein the auxiliary means for electrical connection cooperates with the means for electrical connection, thereby providing an electrical connection between the at least one lead within the BTE device and the at least one auxiliary lead within the auxiliary device.
A connector system providing both mechanical and electrical connection between an electronic device and an auxiliary device comprising:
- a coaxial connector comprising:
- a connector body attachable to the electronic device, wherein the connector body includes a means for attaching, and wherein the connector body conducts electricity, and wherein the connector body is connectable to at least one of at least one lead within the electronic device,
- at least one insulating bushing, and
- a contact, wherein the contact resides within the connector body, and wherein the contact is electrically insulated from the connector body by the at least one insulating bushing, and wherein the contact conducts electricity, and wherein the contact is connectable to at least one of the at least one lead within the electronic device, and
- an auxiliary connector comprising:
- an auxiliary body attachable to the auxiliary device, wherein the auxiliary body includes an auxiliary means for attaching, and wherein the auxiliary device is removably attachable to the electrical device by cooperation of the means for attaching with the auxiliary means for attaching, and wherein the auxiliary body conducts electricity, and wherein the auxiliary body is connectable to at least one of at least one lead within the auxiliary device, and wherein the auxiliary body electrically cooperates with the connector body providing a first conducting path of an electrical circuit;
- at least one auxiliary bushing;
- and
- an auxiliary contact, wherein the auxiliary contact resides within the auxiliary body, and wherein the auxiliary contact is electrically insulated from the auxiliary body by the at least one auxiliary bushing, and wherein the auxiliary contact conducts electricity, and wherein the auxiliary contact is connectable to at least one of the at least one lead within the auxiliary device, and wherein the auxiliary contact cooperates with the contact providing a second conducting path of an electrical circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.