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US 8,506,473 B2Granted
Hearing-aid transducer having an engineered surface
AssigneeSoundBeam LLC
InventorSunil Puria
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hearing aid transducer adapts itself to variations in the surface of a tympanic membrane and slides over the migrating membrane without lubrication. Microscopic setae create a conforming interface between the biocompatible material of the transducer and the living tissue of the tympanic membrane.
Claims20
A hearing aid transducer comprising:
- a biocompatible carrier having a surface shaped to fit a tympanic membrane or ear canal;
- and,
- a driving element attached to the carrier;
- wherein,
- the surface supports a plurality of microscopic setae that are angled with respect to the surface in a pattern that corresponds to a migration pattern of the tympanic membrane.
2 more elements
A method for forming an interface between a living tissue and a biocompatible surface comprising:
- providing a biocompatible surface;
- forming a plurality of setae on the surface;
- orienting the setae according to a migration pattern of tissue upon which the biocompatible surface is to be placed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.