Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental patch are disclosed herein. The patch assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded intra-orally on a tooth or oral tissue. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

1 . An intraoral apparatus, comprising:
 an actuatable transducer to generate sound through bone conduction; and   a patch having one or more suction cups to attach the actuatable transducer to one or more teeth or oral tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a microphone for receiving auditory signals and which is in electrical communication with the actuatable transducer. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a housing coupled to the patch. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the housing is coupled to the patch through one of an electro-magnetic coupling, a mechanical coupling, and a chemical coupling. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising an electronic assembly disposed within or upon the housing and which is in communication with the transducer. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the electronic assembly is encapsulated within the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a power supply in electrical communication with transducer. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a processor in electrical communication with the transducer. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a receiver in wireless communication with an externally located transmitter assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the microphone is in electrical communication with the actuatable transducer via the electronic assembly.