JPS5980231A - Electrode for ear canal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Medical tests for identifying and diagnosing abnormalities in the sense of the senses have historically included the examination of the ``f-path'' and the observation of visual responses to sound stimuli. In general, −'r'+"l
Subjective sensitivity to fF is routinely measured at several audio frequencies. More recently, in an attempt to more specifically identify the cause and extent of hearing loss and other auditory deficits, the evoked activity potentials and brainstem responses resulting from high-level stimuli have been measured. There is. Determination of the acoustic brain response involves measuring the magnitude and response time of the electrical signals produced by the optic nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimulation and stimulation. 'Electrical radiation is detected by using an unreasonable 1 z pole placed on the surface of the skin.

Apparatus for attaching to the ear canal for providing shore stimulation to -11 are known in the art. The transmission of sound to 1-1 is accomplished using a bamboo-like device such as that shown in US Pat. In general, such a device may include an element that is configured to fit snugly into the η-core and has a corresponding elasticity.

US Pat. No. 3,783,201 discloses a hearing aid having a Fir44-rich structure. US special 1st work No. 4
, 133,984 discloses hearing aids with flexible, expandable ends. These hearing aids are configured to provide sound stimulation. However, it is not suitable for receiving electrical 411 inches from the surface of the ear canal, or as such.
There is nothing to be ignored.An electrode used to transmit electrical signals from the surface of an IA is commonly used in an electrocardiogram measurement shade. Such electrodes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3.547104 and IW+ No. 4,1
It is constructed to have low resistance and high sensitivity as described in No. 86,453. The latter U.S. patent describes a body electrode comprising a porous foam disc impregnated with a conductive gel and cooperating with other components made from conductive plastics. . These electrodes are configured to be easily attached to the flat right skin surface. these'
1iP41. It is not suitable for insertion into the auditory canal and is not intended to produce the eastern symptoms of sound.

A conductive metal electrode that penetrates the eardrum, that is, the eardrum 11
Through-hole electrodes have been used. These electrodes required the use of anesthetics, were painful, and often resulted in infections. These electrodes have been used to pick up signals from close to the antral canal to enhance the signal strength of the initial acoustic wave.

For a typical 'electrode configured for insertion into a non-conventional ear canal to measure acoustic responses of the brainstem,
rscan edited by T. Lundborg in Supplemer+tum No. 13 J.
danavian Symposium on Brai
n StemJ (April 7-8, 1881). r Ide by Walter et al.
ntifica-t: on of Wave I b
y Means of Traumatic Ear
Canal EIec, trode J 83-t (4
Page describes an electrode made from a silver wire that supported a cotton ball impregnated with saline at the tip. Lang
AnImproved Technique
for the Non-InvasiveReco
rding of Brain-9tem Re5po
nses with aSpecially Con5
Tructed Metal Electrode J
Pages 59-62 describe a silver wire electrode capped with electrode jelly that is configured to be worn on the underside of an earphone. r by Harder'+';':
EarCanalCompared to Mast
oid ElectrodePlace-ment i
BRA J pages 55-57 describe an acrylic plastic electrode having a silver element with a surface layer of silver chloride embedded therein. This electrode arrangement, 'f10
Apply electrode paste to the ear canal to tune. Such devices do not have the polar structure of the present invention and do not provide low resistance and high sensitivity.

Also, these devices do not have an r-stage that produces acoustic stimulation. In each of the devices described above, acoustic stimulation is provided via a device that is not physically associated with the ear pole. A further limitation of all prior art implantable and non-implanted electrodes is the risk of dangerous perforation of the drum.・It required one doctor to perform the insertion.

The object of the present invention is to provide an unreasonable device with low electrical resistance, high electrical sensitivity, and greater clarity of sound.
There is a way to provide electrodes.

Still another object of the present invention is that manufacturing is in-cylinder and inexpensive;
A safe, disposable auditory canal electrode that can be easily and safely inserted by a medical assistant with minimal training in ear anatomy, without the risk of damaging the eardrum due to inadvertent penetration. On offer.

In summary, the safe, non-technical tunnel arrangement of the present invention provides a method for transmitting electrical signals picked up from the skin surface and for transmitting acoustic stimuli to the surface of the human ear canal. It includes a tubular electrode made of conductive metal. It is impregnated with a body that has electrolytic conductivity,
Is a foamed plastic member with an open cavity placed in the auditory canal? At which end it is attached, this member is adapted to come into contact with the epidermis 1rn of the auditory canal, pick up an electrical signal from it, and transmit this signal to the tube. Sound-absorbing plastic foam will also be included in the 1111 tube to reduce the level of background noise that reaches the eardrum. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The tube may be made of silver, coated with JL4 coach ink, or filled with conductive silver, and may be made of plastic coated with JL4 coach ink or filled with conductive silver. , the plastic member is an Rj-like material surrounding the distal end of the tube, and the foam member with open I holes is filled with an electrolytically conductive medium. Arranged between the N-rich annular members, at least closest to them, there is an elastic sound-absorbing foamed plastic member having closed 1:1 holes.

In an attempt to diagnose the cause of partial or total loss of 1F or sense (tlx of 1F or sense j/,!), 7
'1'' 3 brains + 'i' + core answer (A B R) method and '
Many methods have been developed in the 1.14 side of the rO:Measurement Method (ECoG) method. Early techniques include measuring changes in scalp surface potential within the first 10 seconds after application of an acoustic stimulus. This acoustic device was stimulated and produced by sounds, usually in the form of short occurrences j'l or plosives of selected waveform, amplitude and frequency. The potential of the resulting electric field due to sympathetic events in the neuronal layers of the brainstem structures (particularly deep) along the central acoustic pathway and the fluctuation of the potential in the interval J1 is detected using electrodes on the scalp. The electric potential and 1 were transmitted through the substantial parts of the medium (brain tissue, bone and extracellular fluid) with conductivity +1. Potential magnitude and latency were correlated with specific 7-node regions along the auditory nerve tissue pathway. The potentials arising from the 1lfi calf transducer and the auditory area of the brainstem are the most heavily loaded.

Irregularities in the amplitude and 0/latent 4th of a particular waveform are
1. It can be used to identify the cause of the lack of consciousness and U characteristic';r,'.

Many factors have constrained the use of the ABR and ECoG methods described above. The initially clear generated sound is distorted during its passage and transmission within the propagation path of U". 1) The acoustic stimulus is
It is not possible to stimulate all the minute cavities of the cow at the same time. The observed potentials are very weak and often obscured due to distortions arising from the noise in the human body and the surrounding noise.

1% due to the placement of electrodes that penetrate the auditory canal and eardrum.
``Reducing the degree of φ by 1 and increasing the sensitivity is r11.The surface of the auditory canal has a high density of conductivity. The electrical potential transmitted through relatively small insulating tissues and fluids)
I was carried away. Appropriately designed metal non-reasonable type! ,1
: It was found that the facing electrode can obtain a signal equivalent to that of a penetrating eardrum electrode. However, due to the shape of the surface, the surrounding noise 1) became even louder in many non-reinforced electrodes. It has been determined that only in the case of experienced researchers, careful skin surface preparation, dilation of the 11 horse f3 population with a vaginal speculum, and insertion of the 4t pole with microsurgical forceps result in resistances below IOKΩ.

Irrationality 1 of the present invention will be described in more detail below.
! , the external auditory canal Bt, poles can be determined scientifically using techniques trained in normal medical practice to provide an electrical resistance as low as IKΩ. The device also allows sound to be transmitted through the body's acoustic horn with minimal distortion.

11 and 2, a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectional qz plane view showing the 1f1 pole and connector of the present invention are shown. The tubular electrode 2 has a proximal end 4 and a distal end 6 and has a circular cross section. The tubular electrode 2 is made of a conductive material that electrochemically reacts with a conductive medium due to the electrolytic action described below.
It may be made of r-resistant material. This electrode can be made of any conductive metal such as aluminium, nium, liF,
chrome, iron, cadmium, 2, nokel, lead, jl
) - mercury amalgam, silver, copper, water, platinum, gold, metal can be made from their alloys. The metal can be present as a coating around the metal or plastic tube, or it can be a conductive filler diffused into the plastic from which the tube is formed.

Preferred metals are stainless steel, silver and silver alloys.

The foamed plastic member 8, l0112+ fang, has a larger outer diameter than the auditory canal and has a circular f+:I shape with cylindrical passages 14.1B and 18, respectively, into which the tubular electrode 2 projects. This is desirable. The surfaces in contact with the layer 74 of the outer foamed plastic member 8.10.12 are preferably joined together to form an integral structure. , Ri member 8
．． 12 makes contact to maintain its position during insertion and subsequent withdrawal of the device into the 11" channel.
It is desirable to connect each part of the outer table 1r11 of 2.

The function of the foamed member 10 having openings is as follows: 11: road surface and il'j: 2 conduction t1'! 1. Maintaining sufficient field-active conductive medium to provide optimal electrical coupling between the i and i.

The foamed plastic member 10 can be made from any foamed plastic material that has a resilient aperture. This is rFILTE made from polyurethane
Preferably, it is made from a material with continuous interlocking cavities, such as a highly foamed N1 product such as RFOAMJ. This foam is so good! If you want to guide IL!
i, % L and the tubular 'iLi, the metal wall that makes the conductivity of the pole 2 [rll electrolytically reacting with liquid, gel,
It is desirable to include or be impregnated with an electrolytically conductive medium which may be in the form of a jelly or other dispersed or suspended solid state. For example, the electrolytically conductive medium comprises an emulsified material and an interfacial oil component dispersed in an aqueous solution of a conductive salt such as trichloride, potassium chloride, or sodium sulfate. Milk reviews that contain NK agents, including milk products, may be #. It also contains sodium chloride aqueous axillary phase gelled with a conventionally well-known gelling agent such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and contains potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, It may also be a conductive cerium containing thorium chloride, potassium bromide L1, thorium chloride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or the like.

The foamed plastic members 8 and 12 serve several functions 41. The foamed plastic member 8 absorbs the surroundings 11 and prevents loud surrounding sounds from reaching the child's eardrum. Also, this is '85ft' with an open hole.
1 member 10 and prevent it from shifting during insertion.
- to do. In particular, if this member is adhesively bonded to the foam member 10, the foam member 8 will be exposed to the foam member 10 during insertion.
It also serves as a wall of the outer container for the electrolytically conductive medium.

The foamed plastic member 12 provides all the functions fulfilled by the foamed member 18, especially if it is glued to the foamed member 10. Additionally, this member protects the surface of the auditory canal from contact with the distal end '46.

This member, while acting as a container wall, also prevents the electrolytically conductive medium from entering the auditory canal beyond v2, which closes the opening at the distal end 6 and thereby reduces the sharpness of the transmitted acoustic signal. To prevent one from moving forward.

The foamed plastic members 8E and 12 are expandable members 1.
The foamed plastic material F1 is highly monolithic and may have either an open pore structure or a closed pore structure.

Preferably, the member is a closed-pore foam and has a flexible, easily deformable structure that quickly returns to its original shape when the deforming pressure is removed. Suitable foam materials include foamed polyurethane, low-voltage foamed polyethylene with fine closed pores, expanded polyvinyl chloride with closed pores, and the like.

The proximal end of the tubular electrode 2 is removably housed in a connector 20 that combines an acoustic signal and an electrical connection. The HHr end 4 of the tubular electrode has terminal locations 22 that have small diameter inner and outer diameters received within the housing quadrant 24. Seats 1 and 26, which may be resilient O-rings, are held within channels 28 of the tubular connector housing and compressed to seal 11 and terminal portions 2 in operative engagement.
biased against the outer surface of 2. The seal 26 prevents air leakage from the acoustic path, thereby 1) preventing loss of acoustic signal sharpness;

The middle portion 30 of the T-shaped pole 2 has an annular quadrant 32 that engages a biased annular ring of a conductive metal spring or force element 34 . Both retain the tubular electrode within the connector housing and are electrically connected to the outer surface of the tubular electrode and the spring element 34. Provides a reliable, noise-free electrical connection to the external brainstem signal jack 38.

The acoustic signal connector 38 is connected to the ifJ to which the acoustic signal is transmitted.
The inner wall surface of the highly flexible plastic tube and i;
It has an annular protrusion 40 provided with a stepped portion that engages in a t1-direction. The iη acoustic multiplier signal channel 42 inner diameter a enlarges to the inner diameter of the tubular electrode 2 to provide a stepped horn shape. For this reason, the sound signal is 1! ' Save 1 degree.

In FIG. 2 a safety stop 44 is shown.

This safety stop is preferably a plastic element integral with the tubular electrode 2. Table ii'ii 48 is fiIJ311i! If and as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4, it abuts the external ear during wear. The safety stopper 44 projects beyond the outer surface of the connector 20 and is received within the keyway 50 of the connector to achieve the desired alignment of the safety stopper 44 and the connector element 36.3B.

The tubular electrode and connector are shown in a shape suitable for insertion into a patient's right ear. Place the safety striker 44 in the opposite position to that shown in FIG.
Receiving the groove 50 in the housing makes the toe 110 electrode and connector suitable for use in the left ear, with both left and right ear configurations being intended.

Connector housing 20 and safety stringer 44 are fabricated from an organic plastic polymer, preferably a thermoplastic organic polymer that can be injection molded or compression molded.

In FIG. 3, a cross-sectional 41 view of the ear canal electrode and connector of the present invention in the inserted use position is shown.

The surface 48 of the safety stop abuts against the rear outside of the auditory canal 54 to prevent penetration of the living tree device in use into the auditory canal 54;
1, thereby preventing contact with the eardrum 56.

The foamed plastic member 8.1O112 is the epidermal surface 5 of the auditory canal.
8. I+t I in foam member IO
vl! The active conductive medium covers the epidermal surface 58 and ensures good electrical contact between the skin surface and the surface of the electrode 2. Therefore, electrical resistance is minimized.

71: An excess portion can also be attached to the ear surface at ifI where the pole is inserted. However, the foamed plastic member 10
It is desirable that sufficient bamboo medium is impregnated.

Since the safety stomper 44 limits the distance of movement of the tubular electrode 2, the risk of inadvertent contact with or perforation of the eardrum 56 is completely eliminated and routine insertion by a regular medical training assistant without special training is possible. It becomes the turning part.

In FIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional side view of the auditory canal electrode and connector in the inserted position of use is shown. An insulated plug or pin 60 engages a junk 36 (shown in FIG. 1) sealed within a jack insulation 62. An insulated lead wire 64 connects this plug to an acoustic brainstem signal analyzer (not shown). Acoustic signal tube 66 engages acoustic signal connector 38 and connects it to an acoustic signal generator (not shown).

5, a cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the ear canal electrode and connector of the present invention is shown. Foil electrode 7
0 has a proximal end 72 and a distal end 74 and has a circular cross section. Tubular electrode 70 is an electrically conductive, physiologically inert material that reacts electrochemically with an electrolytically conductive medium such as that described in the text-C with respect to FIG. outer surface 76
It is preferable that the cylindrical member has a truncated conical shape that is tapered from the maximum outer diameter adjacent to the proximal end 72 to the minimum outer diameter at the distal end 74 . Inner surface 78 forms a horn shaped to flare from a minimum diameter at proximal end 72 to a maximum diameter at distal end 74 .

The foamed plastic member 80.82.84 preferably has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the auditory canal and a tapered frustoconical path 86.88.90 through which the tubular electrode 70 passes. . Foamed plastic member 80.8
The surfaces contacting the 2.84 phase are preferably bonded together to form a stacked structure of -. The outer foam members 80, 84 are secured to portions of the outer surface of tube 70, which portions contact to maintain their position during insertion and removal of the device with respect to the ear canal. The tapered portion of the outer surface of tube 70 also has this function.

The function of the foam member 82, which has 111 pores, is to retain a sufficient amount of electrolytically conductive medium to provide optimal electrical coupling between the auditory canal surface and the conductive outer surface of the canal 70. That's true.

Foamed brass tink member 82 is a wrinkled Reticulated Foam (SC) made from polyurethane.
It can be made from a resilient, open-pore foamed plastic material such as OTT (OTT) or FILTER FOAM.

The foam preferably includes or is impregnated with an electrolytically conductive medium such as that described in the text with respect to FIG.

The foamed plastic parts 80, 84 have the composition and function described herein with respect to the corresponding foamed parts 8, 12 in FIG. A safety stopper 92 limits the insertion depth of the tubular electrode 70 into the auditory canal to a distance that does not reach the eardrum.
This safety stopper comes into contact with the surface when insertion is made to the required depth. The outer tube 84 closes off the foam member 80, 82, 84 to prevent damage and gel migration during handling and storage and can be made from coated paper or plastic.

The proximal end 72 of the tubular electrode 70 has a small diameter and has an annular quadrant 86 on its outer surface. Proximal end 72 has connector 100
A cylindrical female cavity 9 for alignment with the cap 99 of the
8. When the electrode 70 is inserted into the cavity 88, an annular conductive metal garter is inserted into the cavity 88.
Spring element 102 connects with annular recess 96 +1Y
j Engage with the object. Annular conductive metal wire 104
, 106 are placed under elastic pressure when the electrode 7o is inserted, so that the springing pressure exerted by this one-shear connects the outer conductive surface of the quadrant 86 and the garter spring 10.
2 and connector hub 1, which determines the conductivity of connector +00.
Maintaining reliable electrical contact between 08 and 08. washer 10
4, that is, the Belleville washer having a slightly truncated conical shape is arranged so that its base covers the surface of the garter spring +02. A washer 106 having a curved cross-sectional shape is placed with the surface opposite to the curved contour of the washer 106 in contact with the washer 104 . Both washers 104, 106 are made from electrically conductive spring metal.

The connector 100 includes a cap 1 for receiving a plastic or metal tube 114 in secure engagement.
110 Another tube path communicating with the inlet section 112 +1
has 0. Felt member 116 operatively engages the outer surface of tube 114 in a compressed seal IF to prevent air leakage therebetween. Passageway 110 provides unobstructed communication between the end of tube 114 and the proximal end 72 of the sound-shaping horn formed by tubular electrode 70. An annular sealing ring 118 provides an additional seal between the cap 89 and the electrode 70 to prevent air leakage therebetween. Air leakage from the acoustic 5 path will result in distortion of the acoustic signal. The hub 108 is also electrically conductively joined to a cambion jack portion 120 of an electrical signal connector 122.

In FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5 is shown to illustrate how the ear canal electrode 70 and connector cap 99 are properly aligned. The proximal end of the electrode 70 has a protrusion that engages a corresponding groove 128 in the side wall of the female quadrant of the connector cap 88 to provide a complete mating relationship only when these elements are properly aligned. Article 126
is provided.

In FIG. 7, a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of the ear canal electrode connector of the present invention is shown, the ear electrode being the same as that shown in FIG.

? The proximal end 72 of the 1↑-shaped electrode 70 has a small diameter portion and an annular recess 96.
1. The proximal end 72 has a cylindrical female cavity 140 for alignment at camp +41 of the connector 142.
removably engages with. An annular conductive metal garter m-spring element 144 removably engages the annular quadrant 96 into which the electrode 7o is inserted into the cavity 140.

The garter nubling element 144 has a conductive metal tongue 148 welded thereto. connector 142
The metal hub 150 and the 4'Ff Ji touch 134
The first conductive spring retainer 148 has a groove 152 that receives the end of the tongue 148 in a constriction or other positive conductive engagement.

FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 in FIG. 7, shows spring retaining groove 152 and tongue 146 in more detail.

The garter spring 144 is located outside the annulus recess 96.
q'iTf, providing positive conductive contact with the surface, the tongue 146 connects the spring 144 to the hub 150 in the carter.
Ensures that a good conductive path is maintained for the

The connector 142 has a cap 1 for securely receiving a plastic or metal tube 158 in the mating engagement.
The felt member 160 has an acoustic signal connection path 154 communicating with the tube 1 portion 156 at the tube 1.
58 in compressive and sealing engagement to prevent air leakage therebetween. The path 154 is the tube 15
8 and the proximal end 72 of the sounding horn formed by the tubular electrode 70. Hub 150 is also electrically conductively joined to campion junk portion 182 of electrical connector 164 .

The s'rW signal generator and its associated magnetic field shielding may be of any standard type suitable for providing the acoustic stimulation required for acoustic brainstem responses; Any known standard structure may be used and does not form a substantial part of the present invention.

5 acoustic brainstem studies, the description of 1,111 to measure and analyze the answer is from the aforementioned Scandanavian Audio, the content of which is cited in the text for reference.
ogy Supplementum No. 13
E in J, Borg's Physiologica
l Mechanisms and Auditory
Brainstem Evoked F! espons
e J pages 11-22, and rHearing In
strume-nts J Volume 32, No. 8 (1981
) Er1cksonq9 rAudi on pages 31-43
Tory Evoked Potential In
Strumentation: How to Ch
Found in ooseJ. The latter article includes a description of currently available equipment and auxiliary equipment such as acoustic signal generators for the analysis of acoustic brainstem response tests.

';'19! It can be seen that the interest in the induced test method (1±) stems from the discovery of acoustic brainstem responses recorded in an unreasonable manner from the human scalp.

Subsequent research has expanded on this test and provided a f1-effective and versatile method for assessing hearing. This study provides a means for testing patients who are difficult to examine by behavioral means, effectively discriminating between conduction abnormalities and pars hearing abnormalities, and distinguishing between peripheral and central pathological conditions. It is something. ! The magnitude of -LA of the potential of the li intestine indicates the state of pressure in the introitus. In some cases, even asymptomatic disease of central pathways can be clinically apparent. The main limitation arises from the large noise level in the electrical signals received from the skin surface. This noise level constitutes a significant obstacle to the full deployment of this test tool.

Since the electrical signal being detected has an amplitude of less than 1 volt, any resistance or noise introduced at any point in the device will result in a low signal/noise ratio, severely limiting the sensitivity of the device. The resistance created at the skin-electrode interface is very important. To minimize this resistance, the area of conductive surface in contact with the skin is maximized. Furthermore, the selection of the detection metal and the electrolytically conductive medium is important.

Foamed plastic members have ■virtue 1, j against sound generation.
'J: ! d"3.Answer A (11) provides the main improvement in the constant.For example, the foamed plastic members 8 and 12 in the embodiment of the first IA are such that the acoustic signals transmitted to the ear canal are contrasted. background level,
Reduce the level of ambient noise. This effectively results in a more rounded definition of the acoustic signal felt by the eardrum. The E'reverse electrode of the present invention also provides significantly reduced resistance between the skin and the ear surface and much greater sensitivity to the grooves. It is important to use a foamed plastic impregnated with '14t (W active conductive gel). The gel provides optimal electrical conductivity between the skin surface 58 and the electrically conductive tubular electrode 2. In this way, the normally used resistance has been reduced to less than 2 ohms.

As a result, the signal received by the analyzer is of much higher quality than previously obtained, and
It is also possible to fix the degree of hearing loss as a function of the frequency of the selected sound, not only in the Screen Test for Hearing Abnormality with a single value.

Product safety and ease of insertion were achieved. The risk of perforation of the tympanum 11Ij! has been eliminated even if the electrode is inserted by a medical assistant without special anatomical training in 1f.A special guard 44.82 limits the insertion distance to the tympanic membrane. This limits the depth to a depth that does not reach.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing the auditory canal electrode and connector of the present invention equipped with sound-absorbing foam elements; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the auditory canal electrode and connector shown in FIG. 1; 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the 14:reverse electrode and connector of the present invention in the final insertion position; FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. 3; and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. A sectional side view showing another embodiment of the auditory canal electrode, the 61st threshold is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a sectional side view showing yet another embodiment of the reverse electrode connector, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an embodiment 1v1 along line 8-8 in FIG. . . . Near end portion, 6. . . Distal end portion, 8, !0.12 . . . Foamed plastic member, 14.
16.18...1 circle 1-shaped passage, 20...Connector housing, 22...Terminal part, 24...
-Housing recess, 26... Seal, 28... Channel, 3o... Intermediate portion, 32... Annular recess, 34
...Spring product book, 36...Signal jack, 38...
Her; W signal connector, 40... annular protrusion, 42
...Acoustic signal channel, 44...Safety stopper, 4
8...Surface, 5o...Keyway, 54...■1" way, 5B...Eardrum, 58...Epidermal surface, 6o...Bin, 62...Ja...ri Insulating part, 64... Lead wire, 66... Acoustic signal tube, 7o... Tubular electrode,
72... Near end, 74... Far end, 76... Outer surface, 78... Inner surface, 8o, 82.84... Foamed plastic member, 8,9.88.9o. ...Truncated conical path, 92...Safety stopper, 84...Outer tube, 9
6... Annular recess, 88... Cylindrical female cavity, 88
...Cap, 100...Connector, 102...
Carter spring component, U4, 10B...Metal washer, 108...Connector hub, 11O...
Tube route, 111... Camp, +14... Tube, 116... Felt member, 118... Foam sealing ring, 120... Shack portion, 122...
Electrical signal connector, 126... protrusion, 128... groove. Patent Applicant: Axonics Incorporated Fig, I Fig, 2 Continued from page 1 (jiJ, Claim @N/26B(3) 1982) United States (
US) 444624 (Inventor: Myron A. Beigler - 14780 Manuela Road, Sualtos Hills, California 940220, United States)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) Conducting electrical signals picked up from the surface of the f-way, and 1
1J4 is provided with a conductive tubular electrode means comprising an electrically conductive metal on at least its surface, the electrode means having one arc and one distal end. 1. The distal end is a foamed plastic means having a highly elastic aperture impregnated with an electrolytically conductive medium for contacting the moss surface of the auditory canal and transmitting electrical signals therefrom. and a sound-absorbing foamed plastic means for reducing ambient noise on the lf road and a ligature part-1.
- An unreasonable type ear canal electrode, characterized in that it is placed in the ear canal. 2. Claim 1 tr+, characterized in that the metal in the tubular electrode means is silver or stainless steel.
3. The ear canal electrode according to claim 2, wherein the metal in the tubular electrode means is silver. 4. The ear canal electrode according to claim 1, wherein said foamed plastic means is an annular foamed plastic member surrounding said distal end. 5. The auditory canal electrode according to claim 4, wherein the sound-absorbing foamed plastic member is a highly elastic foamed plastic with closed holes. 6. The foamed plastic member impregnated with an electrolytically conductive medium is arranged between two flexible foamed plastic members having annular closed holes. Electrode for auditory canal as described in section. 7. The sound-absorbing foamed plastic member is laminated to a foamed member having an open J-hole to restrain the movement of the electrolytically conductive medium from the foamed member of the open-hole during insertion of the electrode into the dome. The connector housing according to claim 6, characterized in that the proximal end of the connector housing includes means for The auditory canal electrode according to item 1 of the scope of claim 3, characterized in that it has an annular recess means for engaging with a conductive metal spring r stage for holding within the auditory canal. The stop 1 is provided with means for protruding so as to come into contact with the ear and for limiting the penetration depth of the distal end to a distance that does not reach the auditory canal. Cup canal electrode. 10 1.1: A tubular step with a distal end for insertion into the inverted circle, and a resilient foam plastic at the distal end 1-, which abuts against the external ear during insertion. As Ijn notes, the depth of penetration of the distal end protruding from the step is 11f.
An acoustic testing device characterized by providing a stopping means for limiting the distance to a distance that cannot be reached by 1-+f. 11. The acoustic test means according to claim 10, characterized in that the sound absorbing means is made of highly elastic foamed plastic and has closed holes. 12. Claims characterized in that the tubular means is a metallic electrical conductor and the elastic foamed planutic comprises a foamed element with open pores impregnated with an electrolytically conductive medium. Acoustic test means according to item 10. 13. The acoustic testing means according to claim 12 of the Patent Claims, characterized in that the highly elastic foamed plastic includes a foamed sound absorbing means having closed holes. 14, +4: a tube having an annular four-part means on its outer surface for removably engaging the retaining spring means of the connector, the connector means receiving said electrode; 1' l° electrode and connector combination, characterized in that it has retaining spring means associated with the mit electrode for removably engaging the annular four parts. 15. The first sieve enclosure of claim 4, wherein the retaining spring means is electrically conductively coupled to a jacking means for transmitting an electrical signal to the signal analyzing means.
4G1 description, F [road use' city pole and connector pair 1 puff. 16. 'I' according to claim 14, characterized in that the connector means has an acoustic signal transmission path for communicating with the internal path of the electrode tube 1!11.
'in, IN' M1 alignment of electrode and connector. 17, +iii between the ear canal electrode and the connector 11
#'r f'+'l Claim 16 D I, characterized in that it includes pneumatic sealing means providing 1F operative engagement.
A combination of the auditory canal electrode described above and the lid. 18. A special feature characterized in that the retention spring means is operatively coupled to the junk-r stage guide for transmitting electrical signals to the signal component means. nI
IL Required Range No. 17] A combination of the auditory canal electrode and the connector described in n. 1'3. The auditory canal electrode transmits acoustic stimulation to the auditory canal by conducting electrical waves picked up from the surface of the auditory canal.
a conductive tubular electrode means having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being in contact with and extending from the cortical surface of the ``A foamed plastic means with holes impregnated with an electrolytically active m4-11 medium to pick up and transmit electrical signals and reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal. 20. A combination of a sound absorbing foamed plastic means and a connector according to claim 14, characterized in that a sound absorbing foamed plastic means is placed on the tubular electrode means. Claim 19, characterized in that the metal is silver or stainless steel.
s), a combination of the auditory canal electrode and connector described in H. 21. The auditory canal electrode and connector combination according to claim 20, wherein the foamed plastic means is an annular foamed plastic member surrounding the distal end. 22. The sound-absorbing foamed plastic member described in 1iii is a highly elastic foamed plastic having closed holes. A combination of 23, 'ILC Kaisakukawa's introduction 1-1 The foamed plastic member impregnated with a fi-sensitive medium has two annular closed 11 holes. Between the foamed plastic member filled with the 7i-absorbent material, The second claim is that it is arranged as
Combination set of 'l'+'1-f11'ill pole and connector described in item 2. 24. The sound-absorbing foamed plastic material 88 described in item 1iii is laminated on the foam member on the right side of the open T-7 hole, and is inserted into the auditory canal. Claim 23, further comprising an R-stage for restraining the movement of the electrolytically conductive body from the one-hole foam member during insertion of the electrode. J'l: J'1
(Combination of the f pole and the connector. 25.) Electrical connector means for coupling with the analysis means, acoustic transmitter connector means for coupling with the radio signal generator, and the tubular auditory canal. providing a housing having an electrode and four-part means for engaging the removable member/1;
The recess means has electrical contact means for establishing electrical contact with the passing electrode, the electrical contact means being coupled to the electrical connector means, and the four part means also having a foil. 26. A 1F way 7L pole connector, characterized in that it also has an acoustic signal aperture arranged in alignment with the aperture L1 of the electrical contact means and in communication with the acoustic signal connector means. 25. The electrode connector for ear direct use according to claim 25, characterized in that the connector is a metal spring means that is removably engaged with a recess in the electrode. and seal 1
F forming an operative engagement portion and including means for preventing air leakage from the junction formed by the four-part means and the foil electrode when the tubular electrode is engaged with the recess means; 29. The if-way terminal connector according to claim 28, characterized in that: 27. The auditory canal electrode connector according to claim 26, wherein said metal spring means is an annular Carter spring means. 29. The contact between said garter spring means and said electric co-octactor r stage is frustoconically shaped 4)
? 1. Maintained by curved one-wheel F stage. I
- Kou 11 “Indication of work, Bamboo Claim 28-1
1. Electrical contact between the garter ring means and the electrical connector means is made by connecting the metal bar tongue and rfU to the connector spring.
Claim 2, characterized in that the electrical connection means is held by a spring retaining means in electrical contact with the electrical connector means.
Electrode connector for Doudou described in 8-1.