US3751605A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for inducing hearing
Assignee: University of California
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Filing: 1972-02-04
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Granted: 1973-08-07
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Expires: 1992-02-04
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a method for inducing the sensation of intelligible hearing by direct electrical excitation of the auditory nerve endings distributed along the basilar membrane within the cochlea. An electrode is positioned within the lower scala of the cochlea by insertion through the round window. The electrode consists of a resilient base member shaped to conform to the inner surface of the lower scala, such base member extending along the basilar membrane. The base member retains a pair of conductors which extend parallel to the length of the basilar membrane. An electrical excitation signal corresponding to an externally generated audio signal is conducted to the conductors of the electrode thereby generating a uniform, alternating electrical field along the basilar membrane which replaces the naturally generated auditory electrical field.
Inventors
- 👤 R Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36036; A61N1/36038
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
37 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing on human subjects comprising: generating an alternating electrical field along the basilar membrane within the cochlea, said electrical field being an analog of an audio signal to be heard.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
37 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing on human subjects comprising: generating an alternating electrical field along the basilar membrane within the cochlea, said electrical field being an analog of an audio signal to be heard.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of generating an alternating electrical field along the basilar membrane comprises: positioning an electrode within the cochlea, said electrode including a base member and a pair of conductors retained by said base member; and conducting an electrical excitation signal which is an analog of said audio signal to said conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein a potential of not less than about .05 volts is impressed across said conductors.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing in human subjects comprising: generating a uniform, alternating electrical field along a substantial portion of the basilar membrane within the cochlea, said electrical field being an analog of to an audio signal to be heard.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing in human subjects comprising: generating a uniform, alternating electrical field along a substantial portion of the basilar membrane within the cochlea, said electrical field being an analog of to an audio signal to be heard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of generating a uniform, alternating electrical field along the basilar membrane comprises: positioning an electrode within the lower scala of the cochlea, said electrode including a base member and a pair of elongated conductors retained by said base member, said conductors adapted to extend parallel to the length of the basilar membrane; and conducting an electrical excitation signal corresponding to said audio signal to said conductors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 wherein a potential of not less than about 0.05 volts is impressed across said conductors.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing in human subjects comprising: positioning an electrode within the lower scala of the cochlea, said electrode including a resilient base member and a pair of conductors retained by said base member; and conducting an electrical excitation signal which is an analog of an externally generated audio signal to said conductors.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for inducing the sensation of hearing in human subjects comprising: positioning an electrode within the lower scala of the cochlea, said electrode including a resilient base member and a pair of conductors retained by said base member; and conducting an electrical excitation signal which is an analog of an externally generated audio signal to said conductors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 7 wherein each of said conductors comprises an elongated member adapted to extend parallel to the length of the basilar membrane, said conductors being positioned side-by-side in said base member, immediately adjaceNt said basilar membrane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7 wherein a potential of not less than 0.05 volts is impressed across said conductors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-06 | 1977-02-05 | 1977-08-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-06 | 1981-02-05 | 1981-08-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-06 | 1985-02-05 | 1985-08-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |