1980059812: Speech Processor (1980 - 1998)

Summary

The patent for the invention Speech Processor (application number 1980059812) was awarded by the Australian Patent Office on 19 July 1984. This was an important milestone in the development of the bionic ear (cochlear implant). The inventors named in the original patent application were Yit Chow (Joe) Tong, Peter Seligman, Graeme Clark, James Patrick and John Bruce Millar. The effective date of the patent was recorded as 28 May 1980 and it ceased on 15 January 1998 (publication date).

Details

The Speech Processor was a "system for converting a speech signal into a data signal for controlling a stimulation electrode array implantable hearing prosthesis." (Abstract submitted with the initial application)

The University of Melbourne initially submitted an international (PCT) application for the patent. Subsequently, a complete application for the patent was made on behalf of the university by Raymond David Marginson (Vice-Principal) on 5 January 1981. In respect of this application, a "Statement of Intention to Proceed with National Phase" was made on behalf of the university by Sandercock, Smith and Beadle (patent attorneys) on 9 January, 1981. Sandercock, Smith and Beadle also acted for the university in respect of both the initial international application and the subsequent complete application.

Related entries

Timeline

 1979 - 1995 1979046563: Electrode for Human Cochlea
       1980 - 1998 1980059812: Speech Processor
             1981 - 1997 1981078481: Speech Processor
                   1983 - 1997 1983018194: Hearing Prosthesis
                         1985 - 2002 1985041500: Electrotactile Vocoder
                               1986 - 1997 1986061140: Prosthetic Electrode Array
                                     1994 - 2012 1994070647: Cochlear Implant Devices
                                           1995 - 2012 1995036460: Multiple Pulse Stimulation
                                                 2000 - 2012 2000068111: Improved Sound Processor for Cochlear Implants
                                                       2000 - 2020 2001011164: Emphasis of Short-Duration Transient Speech Features
                                                             2001 - 2015 2001265692: Sound Processor for a Cochlear Implant
                                                                   2003 - 2015 2003229378: Generation of Electrical Stimuli for Application to a Cochlea

Published resources

Resources

• International Application Published Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). 59812/80: Speech Processor [Specification AU-A], This is a digital copy of documents including an international application (PCT), specifications and an international search report for a patent on a "speech processor". The publication date of 11 December 1980 refers to the international publication date recorded on the application., World Intellectual Property Organization: International Bureau, 11 December. http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/auspat/pdfSource.do?fileQuery=[Wkh%40ir{%29ilohqdph%40DX4%3C%3B338%3C%3B45D31sgi%29Wkh%40od}|. Details