Bruce A Brillhart

US Patent:

6390971, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Feb 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/498154

Inventors:

Theodore P. Adams - Edina MN
Bruce A. Brillhart - Minneapolis MN
Scott C. Meyerson - Moundsview MN

Assignee:

St. Croix Medical, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H04R 2500

US Classification:

600 25, 607 55

Abstract:

The invention discloses a programmable implantable hearing aid including built-in electronics being in wireless communications with a hand-held programmer. The programmer transmits digital code signals of the type including RF, infrared and ultrasonic, based on selected parameter settings. A receiver accepts the signals for transmission to an input transducer in the middle ear. The input transducer collects the middle ears response to the signals and transmits it to a circuit in the implanted hearing aid. The circuit searches for specific programming patterns and decodes the signals to effectuate the desired adjustment in the hearing aid. The conditioned signals are then transferred to an output transducer to operate the device at the adjusted signal level and condition. The invention enables both a patient and doctor to make unlimited number of adjustments in the implanted hearing aid without invasive surgery.

US Patent:

6585637, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

May 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/865629

Inventors:

Bruce A. Brillhart - Minneapolis MN
Kai Kroll - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

St. Croix Medical, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H04R 2502

US Classification:

600 25

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for improving hearing by preventing acoustic feedback from the ossicular chain into a middle ear-implanted microphone of an implantable hearing assistance system. Mechanical sound vibrations are received with an acoustic microphone implanted in the middle ear. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted to an amplified electrical signal and the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the microphone and the inner ear. A mechanical feedback barrier is established by removing or separating a portion of the hearing-impaired persons ossicular chain (e. g. , malleus or incus) to prevent transmission of sound feedback into the microphone from the tympanic membrane via the ossicular chain. Implanting an acoustic microphone permits alternative implantation methods other than a mastoidectomy. For example, the acoustic microphone can be inserted into the middle ear in a transcanal approach in which the microphone is inserted through a temporary slit in the tympanic membrane.

US Patent:

20020091337, Jul 11, 2002

Filed:

Feb 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/778821

Inventors:

Theodore Adams - Edina MN, US
Kai Kroll - Minneapolis MN, US
Bruce Brillhart - Minneapolis MN, US

International Classification:

A61B005/00
H04R025/00

US Classification:

600/559000, 600/025000

Abstract:

A wireless signal processing device integrated with a hearing device is structured to form a wireless auditory system. Specifically, the system enables reception of radio and similar related broadcast, within a selected range of frequencies, directly into the hearing aid. A remote programmable unit operates as a transceiver and a selector to provide the user with several options to change frequencies, adjust volume and select among broadcast programs. A receiver is integrated with the hearing device to wirelessly receive transmission signals from the programmer unit. The hearing device may be fitted with a transceiver unit to directly receive and transmit signals. In this arrangement, the programmer unit is used to control channel, frequency and volume while simultaneously serving as a redundant reception and transmission unit. The system could be used to enable direct transfer of information, communication and entertainment in addition to its normal function as a hearing aid unit.

US Patent:

20040181117, Sep 16, 2004

Filed:

Apr 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/834332

Inventors:

Theodore Adams - Edina MN, US
Bruce Brillhart - Minneapolis MN, US
Donald Bushek - Plymouth MN, US
Kai Kroll - Minneapolis MN, US

International Classification:

H04R025/00

US Classification:

600/025000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

US Patent:

20090277850, Nov 12, 2009

Filed:

May 11, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/463835

Inventors:

Theodore P. Adams - Edina MN, US
William Jehn Rissmann - Deephaven MN, US
Bruce Alan Brillhart - Minnetonka MN, US
John H. Wang - Waytata MN, US

International Classification:

B01D 29/66
B01D 39/14
B01D 21/30

US Classification:

210798, 21050021, 21050024, 21050041, 210137, 210791

Abstract:

An implantable fluid separator having a housing holding a membrane which allows fluid to pass through. The fluid is drained from the housing and removed from the body.

US Patent:

58998470, May 4, 1999

Filed:

Aug 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/908243

Inventors:

Theodore P. Adams - Edina MN
Bruce A. Brillhart - Stillwater MN
Donald J. Bushek - Plymouth MN
Kai Kroll - Minnetonka MN

Assignee:

St. Croix Medical, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61F 218

US Classification:

600 25

Abstract:

A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

US Patent:

57625832, Jun 9, 1998

Filed:

Aug 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/689312

Inventors:

Theodore P. Adams - Edina MN
Bruce A. Brillhart - Stillwater MN
Donald J. Bushek - Plymouth MN
Kai Kroll - Minnetonka MN

Assignee:

St. Croix Medical, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61F 218

US Classification:

600 25

Abstract:

A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The apparatus includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

US Patent:

45033447, Mar 5, 1985

Filed:

Apr 9, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/366906

Inventors:

Bruce A. Brillhart - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H03K 5153
H03K 1716
H03K 1720
H03K 17687

US Classification:

307594

Abstract:

A power up reset pulse generator circuit provides a reset pulse to initialize the states of logic elements in a low power field effect transistor (FET) integrated circuit. The reset pulse generator includes a pair of P-channel enhancement FETs and a first capacitor connected in a series charging path between V. sub. DD and V. sub. SS power supply terminals of the integrated circuit. A second capacitor, and a pair of N-channel enhancement FETs are connected in a second series charging path between the V. sub. DD and V. sub. SS terminals. The second capacitor is connected between the V. sub. DD terminal and an output node, at which the reset pulse is provided. Before power is applied, the first and second capacitors are uncharged and all four FETs are off. When power is applied and the potential between V. sub. DD and V. sub. SS terminals exceeds twice the P-channel threshold voltage, the P-channel FETs turn on, thereby allowing the first capacitor to begin charging.