John Cad Sadler

US Patent:

7580537, Aug 25, 2009

Filed:

Jun 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/452610

Inventors:

Richard Carl Urso - Dublin CA, US
Adnan Shennib - Fremont CA, US
Greg Anderson - Fremont CA, US
Sunder Ram - San Jose CA, US
Robert Schindler - San Francisco CA, US
Ian Day - Fremont CA, US
James Buckley - San Jose CA, US
John Sadler - Belmont CA, US
Alex Tilson - Burlingame CA, US

Assignee:

InSound Medical, Inc. - Newark CA

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381322, 381328

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.

US Patent:

20060291683, Dec 28, 2006

Filed:

Jun 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/453279

Inventors:

Richard Urso - Dublin CA, US
Adnan Shennib - Fremont CA, US
Greg Anderson - Fremont CA, US
Sunder Ram - San Jose CA, US
Robert Schindler - San Francisco CA, US
Ian Day - Fremont CA, US
James Buckley - San Jose CA, US
John Sadler - Belmont CA, US
Alex Tilson - Burlingame CA, US

Assignee:

InSound Medical, Inc. - Newark CA

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381328000

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell wall defines a cavity for retention of a hearing device component with at least a portion of the shell comprising a resilient material having sound attenuating properties. The shell has a structure such that a force for removal of the seal from the canal is greater than a force for insertion of the seal into the canal. That structure can have an umbrella or cup shape. The structure can be configured to act as a mechanical toggle when acted upon by a laterally applied force to the shell. The structure can also be configured to exert a constant frictional force against the canal wall during insertion into the ear canal.