U.S. patent application number 16/966885 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-18 for headpieces and implantable cochlear stimulation systems including the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is ADVANCED BIONICS AG. Invention is credited to Andreas Benedikt Brehm, James George Elcoate Smith, Markus Trautner.
Application Number | 20210046311 16/966885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005222515 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210046311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brehm; Andreas Benedikt ; et
al. |
February 18, 2021 |
HEADPIECES AND IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR STIMULATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING
THE SAME
Abstract
A cochlear implant headpiece, for use with a cochlear implant,
including a housing, a diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet,
defining an axis and a N-S direction, within the housing and
rotatable about the axis, whereby the N-S direction of the
headpiece magnet self-aligns with the gravitational direction when
the axis is perpendicular to the gravitational direction, and a
headpiece antenna associated with the housing.
Inventors: |
Brehm; Andreas Benedikt;
(Santa Clarita, CA) ; Trautner; Markus; (Santa
Monica, CA) ; Smith; James George Elcoate; (Santa
Clarita, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADVANCED BIONICS AG |
Staefa |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005222515 |
Appl. No.: |
16/966885 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
February 15, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/018451 |
371 Date: |
August 1, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/37211 20130101;
A61N 1/36038 20170801 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/36 20060101
A61N001/36; A61N 1/372 20060101 A61N001/372 |
Claims
1. A cochlear implant headpiece for use with a cochlear implant,
the cochlear implant headpiece comprising: a housing; a
diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet, defining an axis and a
N-S direction, within the housing and rotatable about the axis,
whereby the N-S direction of the headpiece magnet self-aligns with
the gravitational direction when the axis is perpendicular to the
gravitational direction; and a headpiece antenna associated with
the housing.
2. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a bearing having a first bearing portion secured to the
housing and a second bearing portion, rotatable relative to the
first bearing portion, secured to the headpiece magnet.
3. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
headpiece magnet defines an outer perimeter; and the second bearing
portion extends around the outer perimeter of the headpiece
magnet.
4. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
second bearing portion and the headpiece magnet are removable from
the headpiece independent of the first bearing portion.
5. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
second bearing portion extends through the headpiece magnet along
the axis.
6. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
housing includes a post on the axis; and the second bearing portion
is mounted on the post.
7. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a weight operably connected to the headpiece magnet and
rotatable with the headpiece magnet.
8. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
headpiece magnet defines a disk-shape and the weight is located
within the disk-shape.
9. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
headpiece magnet includes an indentation; and the weight is within
the indentation.
10. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
headpiece magnet and the weight together define an imbalanced
load.
11. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
headpiece magnet and the weight together define a center of
gravity; and the respective configurations of the headpiece magnet
and the weight and the respective locations of the headpiece magnet
and the weight relative to the axis are such that the center of
gravity is offset from the axis and the N-S direction of the
headpiece magnet passes through the center of gravity and the axis
when the axis is perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
12. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
headpiece magnet includes an outer perimeter indentation that does
not include a weight located therein; and the location outer
perimeter indentation relative to the axis is such that the
headpiece magnet defines center of gravity that is offset from the
axis and the N-S direction of the headpiece magnet passes through
the center of gravity and the axis when the axis is perpendicular
to the gravitational direction.
13. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a magnet receptacle in which the headpiece magnet is
located; and a cap configured to be mounted on the housing and to
cover the magnet receptacle when mounted on the housing.
14. A cochlear implant headpiece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
magnet is formed from a first material having a first density; and
the weight is formed from a second material having a second density
that is greater than the first density.
15-27. (canceled)
28. A cochlear stimulation system, comprising: a cochlear implant
headpiece as claimed in claim 1; and a cochlear implant including a
cochlear implant magnet and a cochlear implant antenna.
29. A cochlear stimulation system, comprising: a cochlear implant
headpiece as claimed in claim 1; and a sound processor including a
housing, and sound processor circuitry carried within the housing
and operably connected to the headpiece antenna.
30. A cochlear implant system as claimed in claim 29, further
comprising: a cochlear implant including a cochlear implant magnet
and a cochlear implant antenna.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to implantable
cochlear stimulation (or "ICS") systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] ICS systems are used to help the profoundly deaf perceive a
sensation of sound by directly exciting the intact auditory nerve
with controlled impulses of electrical current. Ambient sound
pressure waves are picked up by an externally worn microphone and
converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals, in turn,
are processed by a sound processor, converted to a pulse sequence
having varying pulse widths, rates, and/or amplitudes, and
transmitted to an implanted receiver circuit of the ICS system. The
implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantable electrode
array that has been inserted into the cochlea of the inner ear, and
electrical stimulation current is applied to varying electrode
combinations to create a perception of sound. The electrode array
may, alternatively, be directly inserted into the cochlear nerve
without residing in the cochlea. A representative ICS system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,022, which is entitled "Cochlear
Stimulation System Employing Behind-The-Ear Sound processor With
Remote Control" and incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0003] Examples of commercially available ICS sound processors
include, but are not limited to, the Harmony.TM. BTE sound
processor, the Naida.TM. CI Q Series sound processor and the
Neptune.TM. body worn sound processor, which are available from
Advanced Bionics.
[0004] As alluded to above, some ICS systems include an implantable
cochlear stimulator (or "cochlear implant"), a sound processor
unit, a battery, and a microphone that is part of, or is in
communication with, the sound processor unit. The cochlear implant
communicates with the sound processor unit, and some ICS systems
include a headpiece that is in communication with both the sound
processor unit (e.g., a body worn processor or behind-the-ear
processor) and the cochlear implant. The headpiece communicates
with the cochlear implant by way of a transmitter (e.g., an
antenna) on the headpiece and a receiver (e.g., an antenna) on the
implant. The headpiece and the cochlear implant may include
respective magnets (or respective pluralities of magnets) that are
attracted to one another, thereby retaining the headpiece on the
head and maintaining the position of the headpiece transmitter on
the head over the implant receiver. The skin and subcutaneous
tissue that separates the headpiece magnet and implant magnet is
sometimes referred to as the "skin flap." In other instances, all
of the external components (e.g., the battery, microphone, sound
processor, antenna coil and magnet) are carried within a single
headpiece. One example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Pub. No. 2010/0046778, which is entitled "Integrated Cochlear
Implant Headpiece," which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0005] One issue associated with cochlear implants is compatibility
with magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") systems. For example, the
magnets in many conventional cochlear implants are disk-shaped and
have north and south magnetic dipoles that are aligned in the axial
direction of the disk. Such magnets produce a magnetic field that
is perpendicular to the patient's skin and parallel to the axial
direction, and this magnetic field direction is not aligned with,
and may be perpendicular to, the direction of the MRI magnetic
field (typically 1.5 Tesla or more). The misalignment of the
interacting magnetic fields may result in demagnetization of the
implant magnet or generate a significant amount of torque on the
implant magnet that can dislodge the implant magnet and induce
tissue damage.
[0006] One proposed method of accommodating an MRI magnetic field
involves the use of a magnet apparatus with a diametrically
magnetized disk-shaped magnet that is rotatable relative to the
remainder of the implant about an axis, and that has a N-S
orientation which is perpendicular to the axis. One example of a
cochlear implant with such a magnet is the cochlear implant 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The cochlear implant 10 includes a
flexible housing 12 formed from a silicone elastomer or other
suitable material, a stimulation processor 14, a cochlear lead 16
with an electrode array 18, and an antenna 20 that may be used to
receive data and power by way of an external antenna. A
diametrically magnetized disk-shaped magnet 22 that is rotatable
about the axis A relative to the remainder of implant 10 is
positioned within the antenna portion of the housing 12. The magnet
22 will rotate about the axis A into alignment with an MRI magnetic
that is perpendicular to the axis A.
[0007] The cochlear implant 10 may be used in conjunction with a
headpiece 30 that includes a housing 32 in which components, such
as a microphone array with a pair of microphones 34 and a printed
circuit board (not shown) that carries an antenna 36 and other
electronic components, are located. The housing 32 includes a pair
of microphone apertures 38. An electrical connector 40 connects the
circuit board to a sound processor (e.g., a BTE sound processor) by
way of a cable 42. A diametrically magnetized disk-shaped magnet 44
is also provided. The magnetic attraction between the magnets 22
and 44 maintains the position of the headpiece 30 against the skin
flap over the cochlear implant 10, and causes the N and S poles of
the rotatable implant magnet 22 to align with the S and N poles of
the headpiece magnet 44 in the manner shown. U.S. Pat. No.
8,634,909 ("the '909 patent") discloses a cochlear implant system
with a diametrically magnetized and rotatable disk-shaped implant
magnet and a diametrically magnetized disk-shaped headpiece magnet.
The '909 patent indicates that the headpiece magnet may either be
fixed within the headpiece to prevent its rotation, or allowed to
rotate on its axis like the implant magnet.
[0008] The microphones 34 of the microphone array are spaced along
a microphone axis MA and are fixed in place, i.e., are not movable
relative to the housing 32. The microphone axis MA is perpendicular
to the cable 42 and, as a result, the microphone axis MA will point
to the target source when, for example, the user is standing and
looking at the target source.
[0009] The present inventors have determined that there are a
number of issues associated with the above-described cochlear
implant systems. For example, the proper retention of the headpiece
30 depends on the normal retention force NRF and the lateral
retention force LRF (FIG. 3). The normal retention force NRF is a
function of the strength of the diametrically magnetized implant
and headpiece magnets 22 and 44 as well as the thickness of the
skin flap and hair (if any), while the lateral retention force LRF
is a function of the normal retention force NRF and the coefficient
of friction between the headpiece and the associated head surface.
Pressure on the skin flap can result in discomfort and tissue
necrosis when the normal retention force NRF is too high, while the
headpiece will not be retained when the normal retention force NRF
is too low. Additionally, the normal retention force NRF is
maximized when the N and S poles of the implant and headpiece
magnets are aligned N to S and S to N and, for a given normal
retention force NRF, the lateral retention force LRF is maximized
when the N-S direction (or "axis") of the magnets is aligned with
the gravitational direction G.
[0010] Given that headpieces are typically worn with the headpiece
cable extending downwardly in the gravitational direction G (FIG.
3), some conventional headpieces fixedly align the N-S direction of
the headpiece magnet with the headpiece cable, thereby typically
aligning the N-S direction of the headpiece magnet with the
gravitational direction G. This can be problematic for persons who
do not wear their headpiece in the typical manner and instead wear
the headpiece in, for example, the manner illustrated in FIG. 4.
Although the strength of the headpiece magnet 44 will cause the
rotatable implant magnet 22 (FIG. 3) to rotate into N-S alignment
with the headpiece magnet, the N-S direction of the magnets will
not be aligned with the gravitational direction G due to the fixed
orientation of the headpiece magnet. Such misalignment results in a
less than optimal lateral retention force LRF, and a microphone
axis MA direction that may not be pointing at the target sound
source when the user is looking at the target source. Similarly, in
those instances where the headpiece magnet 44 is free to rotate
relative to the remainder of the headpiece 30' (FIG. 5), the N-S
orientation of the headpiece magnet may be misaligned with the
cable 42. As such, even when the cable 42 is aligned with the
gravitational direction G, the N-S direction of the magnets 22 and
44 may not be aligned with the gravitational direction G.
SUMMARY
[0011] A cochlear implant headpiece in accordance with one of the
present inventions includes a housing, a diametrically magnetized
headpiece magnet, defining an axis and a N-S direction, within the
housing and rotatable about the axis, whereby the N-S direction of
the headpiece magnet self-aligns with the gravitational direction
when the axis is perpendicular to the gravitational direction, and
a headpiece antenna associated with the housing. The present
inventions also include cochlear stimulation systems with a sound
processor and/or a cochlear implant in combination with such a
headpiece. There are a variety of advantages associated with such
headpieces and systems. By way of example, but not limitation,
alignment of the N-S direction of the headpiece magnet with the
gravitational direction maximizes the lateral retention force for a
given normal retention force.
[0012] A cochlear implant headpiece in accordance with one of the
present inventions includes a first headpiece portion defining a
rotational axis, a second headpiece portion mounted on the first
headpiece portion and rotatable relative to the first housing
portion about the rotational axis, including a headpiece antenna
and first and second microphones defining a microphone array axis,
and having a center of gravity located such that the microphone
array axis will be perpendicular to the gravitational direction
when the rotational axis is perpendicular to the gravitational
direction, and a headpiece magnet associated with the first
headpiece portion. The present inventions also include cochlear
stimulation systems with a cochlear implant in combination with
such a headpiece. There are a variety of advantages associated with
such headpieces and systems. By way of example, but not limitation,
orienting the microphone array axis in a direction that is
perpendicular to the gravitational direction, regardless of magnet
orientation, increases the likelihood that the microphone array
axis will point at the target sound source when the user is
standing and looking at the target source.
[0013] The above described and many other features of the present
inventions will become apparent as the inventions become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiments will be
made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional cochlear
implant.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional headpiece.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a simplified side, section view of a cochlear
implant and the headpiece illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the headpiece illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a conventional headpiece.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a headpiece in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
headpiece illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a magnet assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a headpiece in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0033] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
headpiece illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 15.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 15.
[0038] FIG. 23A is a plan view of a magnet apparatus in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0039] FIG. 23B is a cutaway plan view of a headpiece including the
magnet apparatus illustrated in FIG. 23A.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an ICS system in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a headpiece in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a section view taken along line 26-26 in FIG.
25.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0044] FIG. 28 is a plan view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the headpiece illustrated in
FIG. 25.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 25.
[0047] FIG. 31 is a cutaway plan view of the headpiece illustrated
in FIG. 25.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in
[0049] FIG. 25.
[0050] FIG. 33 is a plan view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0051] FIG. 34 is a side view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0052] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0053] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a magnet system in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0054] FIG. 37 is a side view of the magnet system illustrated in
FIG. 36.
[0055] FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the magnet system illustrated in
FIG. 36.
[0056] FIG. 39 is a plan view of a headpiece in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0057] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a headpiece in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0058] FIG. 41 is a plan view of a headpiece in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0059] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an ICS system including the
headpiece illustrated in FIG. 41 associated with the right ear of
the user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0060] The following is a detailed description of the best
presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. This
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made
merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
the inventions.
[0061] An exemplary headpiece in accordance with at least one of
the present inventions is illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 and is generally
represented by reference numeral 100. The exemplary headpiece 100
may include a housing 102, with a main portion 104 and a cover 106,
and a removable cap 108 that may be secured to the housing. A
diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet (or "magnet") 110, which
is rotatable about a central axis A (or "axis of rotation A"), is
located within a receptacle 112 that extends to the top wall 114 of
the main portion 104. The cap 108 keeps the magnet 110 within the
receptacle 112. In the illustrated implementation, rotation of the
magnet 110 is facilitated through the use of a glide bearing 116
that is also located within the receptacle 112 and to which the
magnet 110 is secured. Other exemplary bearings that may be
employed include ball bearings and needle bearings.
[0062] The magnet 110 and receptacle 112 may, alternatively, be
provided with extremely low friction surfaces that face one
another, thereby defining an "integrated glide bearing." A weight
118 is associated with the magnet 110 in such a manner that the
center of gravity of the magnet is offset from the axis of rotation
A, as is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.
10-13. The magnet 110, glide bearing 116 and weight 118, which are
also discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.
10-13, form a magnet assembly 120. The magnet 110 may be removed
from the magnet assembly 120 and replaced with, for example, a
magnet of a greater or lesser strength.
[0063] The internal volume of the exemplary housing 102 includes a
microphone 121 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 122 that is
connected to the microphone and that carries various other
headpiece electronic components on one side. Other implementations
may include an array of two or more microphones 121. An antenna 124
is associated with housing 102, i.e., the antenna is located on, is
located within, or is otherwise carried by the housing. The other
side of the PCB 122 includes the antenna 124, which is within an
annular protective covering 126 (FIG. 9), in the illustrated
implementation. In other implementations, the antenna may be
carried by the cover 106. The PCB 122 also includes an aperture 128
through which the receptacle 112 extends. A connector 130, such as
a RF connector, is connected to the PCB 122 and extends through a
tube 132 on the housing main portion 104. The connector 130 may be
used to connect the PCB 122 to a sound processor (e.g., a BTE sound
processor) by way of a cable 208 (FIG. 24). The exemplary cap 108
has a hood 134 to accommodate the connector 130 and tube 132. The
housing 102 and cap 108 also include microphone ports 136 and 138
that are aligned with the microphone 121. A shield (not shown) may
be positioned over the port 138 on the inner surface of the cap
108.
[0064] In the illustrated implementation, the housing main portion
104 includes a cylindrical wall 140 that define the side surface of
the receptacle 112 and a bottom wall 142. The housing cover 106
includes a bottom wall 144 and an annular indentation 146 for the
antenna's protective covering 126. The bottom (or "exterior")
surface of the bottom wall 144 may be concave or flat, and may
include a plurality of protrusions 148. The housing 102 and cap 108
may be attached to one another with any suitable instrumentalities.
In the illustrated implementation, the housing main portion 104
includes a plurality of latch indentations 150 that are engaged by
a corresponding plurality of latches 152 on the cap 108 when the
cap is positioned over the housing 102 in the manner illustrated in
FIG. 6.
[0065] The magnet, bearing and weight in embodiments of the present
headpieces may be secured to, or otherwise associated with, one
another in any suitable fashion. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in
the illustrated implementation, the exemplary diametrically
magnetized magnet 110 includes an outer perimeter indentation 154
and a pair of slots 156. The exemplary glide bearing 116 includes
an inner bearing member 158, with a pair of projections 160 that
respectively extend inwardly into the magnet slots 156, and an
outer bearing member 162. The exemplary weight 118 is configured to
fit into the indentation 154 in such a manner that the magnet 110
and the weight together define a disk shape. In particular, the
exemplary weight 118 is arc-shaped with a thickness corresponding
to the depth of the indentation 154. The magnet 110 may be secured
to the inner bearing member 158, and the weight 118 may be secured
to the magnet and inner bearing member, with adhesive or any other
suitable instrumentality. When the exemplary headpiece 100 is
assembled in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer
surface of the inner bearing member 158 abuts and is slidable
relative to the inner surface of the outer bearing member 162, and
the outer surface of the outer bearing member 162 abuts and is
fixed relative to the inner surface of the receptacle cylindrical
wall 140. As a result, the magnet 110 and inner bearing member 158
are rotatable relative to the housing 102 about the axis A.
[0066] Referring again to FIG. 10, the exemplary weight 118 may be
formed from material that has a greater density that the material
that forms the magnet 110. The material may be magnetic or
non-magnetic. In at least some implementations, the weight material
may have a density at least 20% greater than the magnet material.
For example, the magnet 110 may be formed from Neodymium, which has
a density of 7 g/cm.sup.3, while the weight 118 may be formed from
brass or copper, which have densities of 8.6 g/cm.sup.3 and 8.94
g/cm.sup.3 respectively. Other suitable weight materials include
tungsten and gold, which have densities of 19.3 g/cm.sup.3 and
19.32 g/cm.sup.3 respectively. The additional weight, as well as
the location of the weight, results in the center of gravity C of
the magnet/weight combination being offset from the axis of
rotation A that passes through the center of the magnet 110 and
being on the N-S axis of the magnet that passes through the axis of
rotation A. Put another way, the magnet/weight combination results
in an imbalanced load. Other methods of creating an imbalanced load
are described below with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B. When the
axis of rotation A of the magnet 110 is perpendicular to the
gravitational direction G, the N-S direction of the magnet will be
aligned with the gravitational direction G.
[0067] There are a number of advantages associated with the
exemplary headpiece. The rotatability of the remainder of the
headpiece 100 relative to the magnet 110 allows the N-S direction
of the magnet self-align with the gravitational direction,
regardless of the preferred orientation of the headpiece 100, when
the axis of rotation A is perpendicular to the gravitational
direction G. In other words, if not already aligned, the magnet 110
will rotate without the application of force (other than
gravitational force) in such a manner that the N-S direction of the
magnet self-align with the gravitational direction, regardless of
the preferred orientation of the headpiece 100, when the axis of
rotation A is perpendicular to the gravitational direction G. For
example, and referring to the cutaway views illustrated in FIGS. 12
and 13, the N-S direction of the magnet 110 will be aligned with
the gravitational direction G when the headpiece 100 is oriented
such that the cable 208 (discussed below) extends in the
gravitational direction G as well as when the headpiece 100 is
oriented such that the cable 208 extends in any other direction
(e.g., perpendicular to the gravitational direction G). As a
result, no matter how the user orients the headpiece 100, the
lateral retention force LRF will be maximized for the associated
normal retention force NRF.
[0068] It should also be noted that the present inventions are not
limited to any particular bearing configuration or any particular
weight shape or weight location so long as the desired rotation and
off-axis center of gravity is achieved. By way of example, but not
limitation, the magnet apparatus 120a in FIG. 14 is similar to
magnet apparatus 120 and may be used in place of magnet apparatus
120 in the headpiece 100. For example, the magnet apparatus 120a
includes a magnet 110a, a glide bearing 116a and weight 118a. The
magnet 110a does not include an outer perimeter indentation for a
weight, and the weight 118a is configured to be positioned on the
top (or bottom) surface, i.e. the longitudinal end that faces the
cap 108 (or the receptacle bottom wall 142) and extends in a
directions is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A instead of
parallel to axis of rotation. The top (or bottom) surface may in
some instances include an indentation for the magnet. Additionally,
as shown in FIG. 14, the magnet 100a does not include the
above-described slots 156 (FIG. 11) and the inner bearing member
158a of the glide bearing 116a does not include the corresponding
projections 160. The glide bearing 116 (or 116a) may also be
omitted and the magnet 110 (or 110a) may be rotatably mounted
within the housing 102 in some other way.
[0069] Another exemplary headpiece is generally represented by
reference numeral 100b in FIGS. 15-20. The exemplary headpiece 100b
is substantially similar to the exemplary headpiece 100, similar
elements are represented by similar reference numerals, and the
discussions above concerning like-numbered elements are
incorporated here by reference. For example, the headpiece 100b may
include a housing 102b, with a main portion 104b and a cover 106,
and a removable cap 108 that may be secured to the housing. A
diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet (or "magnet") 110b, which
is rotatable about an axis of rotation A, is located within a
receptacle 112b that extends to the top wall 114 of the main
portion 104b. Rotation of the magnet 110b is facilitated through
the use of a glide bearing 116b that is also located within the
receptacle 112b and to which the magnet 110b is secured. Turning to
FIGS. 19-20, the glide bearing 116b is located within an aperture
164b that extends through the magnet 110b and is mounted on a post
166b. The post 166b, which defined the axis of rotation A, includes
a first end that is secured to the bottom wall 142 of the
receptacle 112b and a second, free end. A weight 118 is associated
with the magnet 110b in the manner described above. The magnet
110b, glide bearing 116b and weight 118 form a magnet assembly 120b
that may be removed and replaced with, for example, an assembly
that includes a magnet of greater or lesser strength.
[0070] As illustrated for example in FIG. 21, and as discussed
above in the context of the magnet 110, the addition of the weight
118 results in a center of gravity C that is offset from the axis
of rotation A which passes through the center of the magnet 110b
and being on the N-S axis of the magnet that passes through the
axis of rotation A. Put another way, the magnet/weight combination
results in an imbalanced load. When the axis of rotation A of the
magnet 110b is perpendicular to the gravitational direction G, the
N-S direction of the magnet will self-align with the gravitational
direction G. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, relative rotational
movement between the magnet 110b and the remainder of the headpiece
100, in combination with the off-axis location of the center of
gravity G, causes the N-S direction of the magnet to be aligned
with the gravitational direction when the axis of rotation is
perpendicular to the axis A of rotation, regardless of the
orientation of the headpiece 100. As such, the N-S direction of the
magnet 110b will be aligned with the gravitational direction G when
the headpiece 100b is oriented such that the cable 208 extends in
the gravitational direction G as well as when the headpiece 100 is
oriented such that the cable 208 extends in any other direction
(e.g., perpendicular to the gravitational direction G).
[0071] Another exemplary magnet apparatus with an imbalanced load
is generally represented by reference numeral 120b' in FIG. 23A.
The exemplary magnet apparatus 120b' is substantially similar to
the exemplary magnet apparatus 120b, similar elements are
represented by similar reference numerals, and the discussions
above concerning like-numbered elements are incorporated here by
reference. For example, the magnet apparatus 120b' includes a
diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet (or "magnet") 110b',
which is rotatable about an axis of rotation A, as well as the
aforementioned glide bearing 116b. Here, however, the magnet 110b'
includes an outer perimeter indentation 154b' that does not have a
weight mounted therein. The indentation 154b' functions as a region
of reduced weight which, much like the region of increased weight
defined by the weight 118, results in the center of gravity C being
offset from the axis A. When the axis of rotation A of the magnet
110b' is perpendicular to the gravitational direction G, the N-S
direction of the magnet will self-align with the gravitational
direction G. Turning to FIG. 23B, the magnet apparatus 120b' may
form part of a headpiece 100b' that is otherwise identical to
headpiece 100b.
[0072] The exemplary headpiece 100 (or 100b or 100b') may be used
in ICS systems such as, for example, the exemplary ICS system 60
illustrated in FIG. 24. The system 60 includes the cochlear implant
10, a headpiece 100 (or 100b), and a sound processor 200, such as a
body worn sound processor or a behind-the-ear sound processor.
[0073] The exemplary sound processor 200 is a body worn sound
processor that includes a housing 202 in which and/or on which
various components are supported. Such components may include, but
are not limited to, sound processor circuitry 204, a headpiece port
206 that may be connected to the headpiece 100 by a cable 208, an
auxiliary device port 210 for an auxiliary device such as a mobile
phone or a music player, a control panel 212, one or more
microphones 214, and a power supply receptacle 216 for a removable
battery or other removable power supply 218 (e.g., rechargeable and
disposable batteries or other electrochemical cells). The sound
processor circuitry 204 converts electrical signals from the
microphone 214 into stimulation data.
[0074] During use, the above-described headpiece magnet 110 (or
110b) will be attracted to the implant magnet 22, thereby aligning
the headpiece antenna 124 with the implant antenna 20. The
stimulation data and, in many instances power, is supplied to the
headpiece 100, which transcutaneously transmits the stimulation
data, and in many instances power, to the cochlear implant 10 by
way of a wireless link between the antennas. In at least some
implementations, the cable 208 will be configured for forward
telemetry and power signals at 49 MHz and back telemetry signals at
10.7 MHz. It should be noted that, in other implementations,
communication between a sound processor and a headpiece and/or
auxiliary device may be accomplished through wireless communication
techniques. Additionally, given the presence of the microphone(s)
214 on the sound processor 200, the headpiece microphone 121 may be
omitted in some instances.
[0075] It should be noted that the present inventions have
application in ICS systems which are configured such that all of
the external components (e.g., the battery, the microphone, the
sound processor, and the antenna coil) are carried within a single
headpiece. One example of such a headpiece is generally represented
by reference numeral 100c in FIGS. 25-29. The exemplary headpiece
100c may include a housing (or "headpiece portion") 102c, with a
main portion 104c and a removable cover 106c, and a base (or
"headpiece portion") 108c. The cover 160c has an end wall 107c, top
and bottom walls 109c and 111c, and side walls 113c between the top
and bottom walls. A magnet apparatus (or "magnet") 110c-2 is
located within a receptacle 112c. The exemplary magnet 110c-2,
which is discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.
33-35, is a removable and replaceable two-part structure, including
a magnetic member 168c-2 and a non-magnetic member 170c-2, which
may be fixed in any desired rotational orientation relative to the
receptacle 112c. The receptacle 112c is part of the base 108c, and
is defined by a tubular member 115c that extends to the base bottom
wall 114c, in the illustrated implementation. Once positioned
within the receptacle 112c, the rotational orientation of the
magnet 110c-2 relative to the receptacle 112c (and base 108c) is
fixed. The housing 102c is rotatable relative to the base 108c and
the magnet 110c-2 about a central axis A (or "axis of rotation A").
To that end, the main portion 104c includes a tubular member 117c
in which the tubular member 115c (and receptacle 112c) is located.
The tubular members 115c and 117c are both coaxial with the axis of
rotation A and are connected to one another with a bearing
116c.
[0076] The internal volume of the exemplary housing 102c includes a
pair of microphones 121 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 122c that
is connected to the microphones and that carries the various other
headpiece electronic components, such as sound processor circuitry
119, on one side. The other side of the PCB 122c includes an
antenna 124. The microphones 121, which define a microphone array
and are spaced along a microphone axis MA, and are fixed in place,
i.e., are not movable relative to the housing 102c. Other
implementations may include only one microphone 121, or more than
two microphones. The PCB 122c also includes an aperture 128c
through which the tubular member 117c extends. The housing has a
pair of microphone ports 136c that extend through the cover end
wall 107c, and shields (not shown) may be positioned over the ports
136c on the inner surface of the housing 102c. A power supply
receptacle 123c for a plurality of removable power supplies 125c
(e.g., rechargeable and disposable batteries or other
electrochemical cells) is located within the housing 102c. Other
receptacles that are configured for use with other power supplies
may also be employed.
[0077] Referring more specifically to FIG. 28, the location of the
relatively heavy power supplies 125c (and in some instances other
relatively heavy objects) results in the center of gravity C of the
housing 102c being offset from the axis of rotation A, which that
passes through the respective centers of the magnet 110c-2 and the
tubular members 115c and 117c. Put another way, the housing 102c
has an imbalanced load. The axis A and the center of gravity C will
self-align with one another in the gravitational direction G when
the axis of rotation A is perpendicular to the gravitational
direction G, regardless of the rotational orientation of the magnet
110c-2 and the base 108c. As a result, the microphone axis MA will
point to the target source when, for example, the user is standing
and looking at the target source regardless of the N-S orientation
of the magnet 110c-2. To that end, and as illustrated for example
in FIGS. 30 and 31, the microphone axis MA is perpendicular to the
gravitational direction G when the N-S direction of the magnet
110c-2 extends in the gravitational direction G (FIG. 30) as well
as when the magnet 110c-2 is oriented such that the N-S direction
extends in any other direction such as, for example, 45 degrees
offset from the gravitational direction G (FIG. 31).
[0078] The sound processor 119 may be operable in an
omni-directional mode or in a directional mode. In the directional
mode, the user points the microphone array at the target source and
the sound processor 119 performs a beamforming operation on the
signals from the microphones 121 in, for example, the manner
discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,995,771, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. Other directional sound processing
examples are incorporated into the Phonak SmartLink+.TM. and
ZoomLink+.TM. transmitters. Briefly, spatial processing is
performed on the signals from the microphones 121, whereby signals
associated with sound from the target sources at which (or near
which) the microphone axis MA is pointing are enhanced and signals
associated with sound from the non-target sources are
attenuated.
[0079] The exemplary headpiece 100c may be used in ICS systems such
as, for example, an exemplary ICS system that includes the cochlear
implant 10. Referring to FIGS. 32-35, the exemplary magnet 110c-2
is a two-part structure that includes a magnetic member 168c-2 and
a non-magnetic member 170c-2 that may be permanently secured to the
magnetic member. The magnetic member 168c-2 is disk-shaped,
diametrically magnetized, and has a diameter DI.sub.MM that is
identical to, or is at least substantially identical to, the
diameter DI.sub.R of the receptacle 112c. The non-magnetic member
170c-2, which may be compressible and formed from foam or another
compressible material, includes a disk-shaped main body 172c-2 and
one or more projections 174c-2 that extend radially outward from
the main body. The diameter DI.sub.MB of the main body 172c-2 of
the compressible non-magnetic member 170c-2 is identical to, or is
at least substantially identical to, the receptacle diameter
DI.sub.R. The uncompressed thickness T.sub.MU of the magnet 110c-2
is greater than the depth D.sub.R. When the magnet 110c-2 is placed
into the receptacle 112c (with the magnetic member 168c closest to
the base bottom wall 114c), a portion of each of the projections
174c-2 will extend beyond receptacle perimeter at the top of the
receptacle. The non-magnetic member 170c-2 may then be compressed
into the receptacle 112c (as shown in FIG. 26) with a finger or a
tool. Such compression will cause the non-magnetic member 170c-2 to
press against the inner surface of the receptacle 112c, especially
at the projections 174c-2, to create enough friction to maintain
the magnet 112c within the receptacle and prevent the non-magnetic
member from expanding back to its uncompressed state.
[0080] The exemplary magnet 110c-2 also includes indicia 176c that
may be used to indicate the N-S direction of the associated
diametrically magnetized magnetic member 168c-2 as well as the
strength of the magnet relative to other magnets in the associated
magnet system, as is described below with reference to FIGS. 36-38.
In the illustrated implementation, the indicia 176c is in the form
of one or more chevrons that point in the N (or S) direction. In
those instances where the headpiece 100c is used in conjunction
with a cochlear implant that includes a rotatable diametrically
magnetized disk shaped magnet (e.g., implant 10 in FIG. 24 or one
of the implants described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0239476, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), for example,
indicia 176c the user will be able to align the N-S magnetization
direction of the magnetic member 168c-2 with the gravitational
direction G (FIG. 30) or not align the N-S magnetization direction
of the magnetic member 168c-2 with the gravitational direction G if
so desired (FIG. 31).
[0081] Turning to FIGS. 36-38, the exemplary magnet 110c-2 is one
magnet in a multiple magnet system 110c that also includes magnets
110c-1, 110c-3 and 110c-4. The magnets in the system 110c are
similar in shape and size, but have different magnetic strengths.
The magnetic strength is varied from magnet to magnet by varying
the sizes of the magnetic members and the compressible non-magnetic
members. In particular, the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 are each
two-part structures that each include a disk-shaped, diametrically
magnetized magnetic member 168c-1 to 168c-4 and a compressible
non-magnetic member 170c-1 to 170c-4 that is permanently secured to
the associated magnetic member. The compressible non-magnetic
members 170c-1 to 170c-4 each include a disk-shaped main body
172c-1 to 172c-4 and one or more projections 174c-1 to 174c-4 that
extend radially outward from the main body. In some instances, a
compressible spacer 111 (e.g., a foam spacer) may also be provided
in the system 110c. The inner surface of the cap 108b may have a
small recess (not shown) that can accommodate the portion of a
magnet that extends beyond the receptacle 112c.
[0082] The respective uncompressed thicknesses T.sub.MJ (FIG. 28)
of the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 are greater than the receptacle
depth D.sub.R, but for the slightly shorter magnet 110c-1, while
the diameters DI.sub.MM are the same. The respective thicknesses
(and strengths) of the magnetic members increases from magnetic
member 168c-1 to magnetic member 168c-4, while the uncompressed
thicknesses of the non-magnetic members decreases from non-magnetic
member 170c-1 to non-magnetic member 170c-4.
[0083] In the illustrated implementation, the number of chevrons
160a identifies the relative strengths of the magnets 110c-1 to
110c-4. A single chevron 176c is indicative of the weakest magnet
(i.e., magnet 110c-1) and four chevrons are indicative of the
strongest magnet (i.e., magnet 110c-4). Alternatively, or in
addition, other types of strength representative indicia (e.g.,
numbers or color) may also be employed. The chevrons 160a (or other
indicia) may also be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the
magnets 110c-1 to 110-4. The chevrons 176c or other indicia may,
for example, be provided on adhesive labels 162b (as shown) or
formed directly on the associated surfaces.
[0084] The number of magnetic strength options provided by the
exemplary magnet system 110c is greater than the number of magnets
in the system. The magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4, each of which has a
different strength, may be inserted with the magnetic member 168c-1
to 168c-4 facing the implant magnet 22 or with the associated
compressible non-magnetic member 170c-1 to 170c-4 facing the
implant magnet. Put another way, the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 may
be inserted into the receptacle 112c in such a manner that the
non-magnetic member 154-1 to 154-4 is between the associated
magnetic member 168c-1 to 168c-4 and the bottom wall 114c, or in
such a manner that the non-magnetic member is not between the
associated magnetic member and the bottom wall. The user can,
therefore, select either of two possible magnetic member to implant
magnet distances for each of the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 depending
upon the insertion orientation of the magnet. Additionally, given
the slightly lesser thickness of the magnet 110c-1, the
compressible spacer 111b may be placed between the magnet 110c-1
and the bottom end of the reservoir 112c when the magnet 110c-1 is
in either orientation. Accordingly, each of the magnets 110c-2 to
110c-4 is capable of creating two different magnetic attraction
forces with the same implant magnet, while the magnet 110c-1 is
capable of creating four different magnetic attraction forces with
the same implant magnet.
[0085] It should also be noted that the magnet system 110c may be
employed in a headpiece similar to the headpiece 100. For example,
the bearing 116 may be modified in such a manner that the
projections 160 are omitted and the entire bearing remains within
the receptacle. Weights similar to weights 118 may be added to the
magnetic members 168c in the magnet system 110c.
[0086] The location and number of the microphones may also be
adjusted as desired. By way of example, but not limitation, the
exemplary headpiece 100d illustrated in FIG. 39 is essentially
identical to headpiece 100 and similar elements are represented by
similar reference numerals. Here, however, the headpiece 100d
includes three microphones 121, which are offset from one another
by 90 degrees, and the cover 108' includes three microphone ports
138 that are aligned with the microphones 121. The housing (under
the cover) also has three microphone ports. Signals from the
microphones 121 may be processed in a directional mode similar to
that described above.
[0087] Turning to FIG. 40, the exemplary headpiece 100e is
essentially identical to headpiece 100c and similar elements are
represented by similar reference numerals. Here, however, the
microphones face respective cover side walls 113e (instead of the
end wall 107e) and the cover 106e includes microphone ports 136e
(only one shown) that extend through respective cover side walls
113e. As a result, the microphones face forwardly and rearwardly.
Signals from the microphones may be processed in a directional mode
similar to that described above.
[0088] Another exemplary headpiece that is configured such that all
of the external components (e.g., the battery, the microphone, the
sound processor, and the antenna coil) are carried within a single
headpiece is generally represented by reference numeral 100f in
FIG. 41. The exemplary headpiece 100f is similar to headpiece 100c
in that headpiece 100f includes a housing 102f in which components
such as a sound processor (not shown), a microphone array with a
pair of microphones 121 (see also FIG. 25), an antenna 124, a
positioning magnet 110f, and batteries 125f are located. The
microphones 121 are spaced along a microphone array axis (or
"microphone axis") MA and are fixed in place, i.e., are not movable
relative to the housing 102f. The housing 102f includes microphone
ports 136f, which may be located on an end wall (as shown) or on
side walls in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 40. The
headpiece 100f does not include the above-described base and
rotational capabilities of headpiece 100c that are used to maintain
a predetermined headpiece orientation. Here, the headpiece 100f is
provided with an orientation magnet 178f and is configured to be
used in conjunction with a cochlear implant having a corresponding
orientation magnet. Magnets 110f and 178f each define an axis A and
are spaced apart from one another in a magnet spacing direction MSD
such that they are not coaxial. In the illustrated implementation,
the magnet spacing direction MSD is perpendicular to the microphone
array axis MA.
[0089] To that end, and referring to FIG. 42, the exemplary
cochlear implant 10f is substantially similar to cochlear implant
10 and similar elements are represented by similar reference
numerals. Here, however, the cochlear implant 10f includes a
housing 12f with a magnet carrier 13f for the magnet 22. The magnet
carrier 13f may be a separate structure that is secured to the
implant housing 12, or may be an integral part of the implant
housing. A positioning magnet 23f is located within the antenna
portion of the housing 12. Magnets 22 and 23f each define an axis A
and are spaced apart from one another in such a manner that they
are not coaxial.
[0090] During use, the magnets 110f and 178f of the headpiece 100f
are positioned over the magnets 22 and 23f of the cochlear implant
10f. The magnets 22 and 110f retain the headpiece 100f on the
user's head, while the magnets 23f and 178f align the antennas 20
and 124 and set the orientation of the headpiece 100f (and
microphone array axis MA) relative to the user's head. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 42, the magnets 23f and 178f may be used to
set the orientation of the headpiece 100f (and microphone array
axis MA) in such a manner that the microphone array axis MA is
perpendicular to the gravitational direction G when the user is
standing or sitting and looking straight ahead.
[0091] The implant and headpiece magnets 22, 23f, 110f and 178f may
be any suitable magnets. In some instances, such as the illustrated
implementation, the implant and headpiece magnets 22, 23f, 110f and
178f may diametrically magnetized disk-shaped magnet that are
rotatable relative to the remainders of the cochlear implant 10f
and headpiece 100f about respective axes A in the manner described
above, with or without associated bearings.
[0092] Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described
in terms of the preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications
and/or additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would
be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The inventions also
include any combination of the elements from the various species
and embodiments disclosed in the specification that are not already
described. It is intended that the scope of the present inventions
extend to all such modifications and/or additions and that the
scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims set
forth below.
* * * * *