{
  "patent_number": "US RE45701",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Cochlear Implants Use Free-Spinning Magnets to Survive MRI Scans",
  "original_title": "USRE45701E1 - Reducing effect of magnetic and electromagnetic fields on an implant's magnet and/or electronics",
  "summary": "A cochlear implant design that uses a freely rotating internal magnet to prevent the device from being pulled or damaged by the strong magnetic fields of an MRI machine.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a cochlear implant system where the internal magnet is housed in a way that allows it to rotate freely in any direction without moving out of its designated spot. Because the magnet can spin, it aligns itself with the powerful magnetic fields of an MRI machine rather than resisting them. This prevents the magnet from experiencing high torque, which could otherwise damage the implant or cause pain to the patient. The system also includes a housing that keeps the magnet in place while allowing this rotation, ensuring the external and internal coils remain aligned for power and data transmission.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover magnets that are fixed in place and cannot rotate freely.",
    "Does not cover systems that rely on external mechanical clamps or non-magnetic fasteners to hold the device in place.",
    "Does not cover the specific electronic signal processing algorithms used to convert sound into electrical stimulation."
  ],
  "filed": "2012-10-24",
  "granted": "2015-09-29",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "MED EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/med-el-elektromedizinische-geraete-gmbh",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Erwin Hochmair",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/erwin-hochmair"
    },
    {
      "name": "Martin Zimmerling",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/martin-zimmerling"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 24,
  "tags": [
    "biotech",
    "mechanical",
    "consumer_electronics"
  ],
  "abstract": "An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE45701/bladeless-fan-air-multiplier",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE45701/bladeless-fan-air-multiplier/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE45701",
  "relatedPatents": []
}