You can freely build on How Early Cochlear Implants Used Digital Signals to Restore Hearing
This patent expired in 1997. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1977
Expired
1997
Forward citations
55
What this patent covers
The device captures external sound using a microphone and converts it into an analog electrical signal. This signal is then split into different frequency bands using a series of filters, mimicking how a healthy cochlea processes sound. Each band is converted into a digital pulse signal, which is sent through implanted electrodes directly to the auditory nerve. This allows the brain to receive electrical impulses that represent specific sound frequencies, enabling individuals with non-functioning inner ears to perceive sound.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 4063048 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover non-implantable hearing aids that rely on acoustic amplification.
Does not cover signal processing methods that do not use frequency-specific filter networks.
Does not cover wireless or transcutaneous induction-based signal transmission methods.
Does not cover software-based speech recognition or AI-driven sound enhancement algorithms.
Who is building on this today
Major medical device manufacturers such as Cochlear Limited, Advanced Bionics, and MED-EL have built upon the principles of multi-channel electrical stimulation defined here. These companies continue to refine the signal processing and electrode array designs first envisioned in this era.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Modern multi-channel cochlear implants
Auditory brainstem implants
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 4063048. Implantable electronic hearing aid. Granted 1977, expired 1997. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.