Hearing device restoration device, system, and methods therefor

Abstract

A hearing restoration system with a housing having a user interface, a pump, control circuitry, and at least one pneumatic port. The hearing restoration system comprises one or more pneumatic ports, which are connected fluidly to one or more tubes. Furthermore, the housing may have a vacuum chamber fluidly connected to the third pneumatic port. A control circuitry is configured to detect a mode of operation of the system based on a measurement of pressure or vacuum inside the hearing aid restoration apparatus.

Claims

1. A hearing aid restoration apparatus, comprising: a housing with at least a first pneumatic port that selectively outputs air and a second pneumatic port that selectively sucks in air; a user interface that receives a user input to select a mode of operation of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, a first mode of operation providing no suction at the second pneumatic port and a second mode of operation providing suction at the second pneumatic port; and a controller that detects whether the first mode of operation providing no suction at the second pneumatic port or the second mode of operation providing suction at the second pneumatic port is selected based on a measurement of vacuum inside the hearing aid restoration apparatus, a vacuum sensor that measures the level of vacuum in an air space that is not fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port and outputs a signal representative of the measured level of vacuum to the controller, where the vacuum sensor measures the level of vacuum as a positive vacuum pressure, a pneumatic valve that includes at least an input port, a first output port, and a second output port; and a pump that includes a pump inlet port and a pump outlet port, wherein the first output port is configured to provide a vacuum chamber mode and the second output port is configured to provide a vacuum wand mode, the input port of the valve is fluidly connected to the pump inlet port, the second output port of the pneumatic valve is fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port, the pneumatic valve comprises a toggle of the user interface, which toggle toggles a fluid connection from the input port of the pneumatic valve to either the first output port or the second output port, the vacuum sensor is arranged upstream of the first output port, and the vacuum sensor outputs a signal representative of the measured level of vacuum in said air space to the controller.

2. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fluid connection between the first output port of the pneumatic valve and a vacuum chamber port of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, wherein the vacuum sensor measures the level of vacuum in said fluid connection.

3. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a pad located on an outer surface of the housing; and a removable container forming an airtight seal when placed on the pad, wherein the vacuum chamber port is located at least partially in the pad.

4. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured as a toggle switch protruding from the housing, the toggle switch being movable between a first position corresponding to the first mode and a second position corresponding to the second mode, and the toggle switch controls an internal flow path of the pneumatic valve.

5. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a vacuum cleaning wand fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port, the vacuum cleaning wand including a filter element, a tubular neck extending from the filter element, and a tip attached to an end of the tubular neck.

6. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a retracting mechanism that extends and retracts a tube, the tube passing through the second pneumatic port, the retracting mechanism at least partially spooling said tube inside the housing.

7. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller determines that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the second mode based on the vacuum sensor signal value being continuously at or below a predetermined threshold, and the controller determines that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the first mode based on the vacuum sensor signal value fluctuating or being continuously above a second predetermined threshold.

8. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller initiates a count-down timer when it determines that the restoration apparatus is in the first mode, and the controller turns off the pump at the expiration of the count-down timer.

9. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller outputs a message indicating an error condition on the display when the controller determines that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the first mode and the fluctuating vacuum sensor signal remains below a third predetermined threshold.

10. The hearing aid restoration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller applies a ceiling function or a floor function to the vacuum sensor signal and outputs a vacuum reading filtered by the ceiling function or the floor function on the display.

11. A method of restoring a hearing aid, the method comprising: providing a hearing aid restoration apparatus comprising: a housing with at least a first pneumatic port that selectively outputs air and a second pneumatic port that selectively sucks in air; a user interface that receives a user input to select a mode of operation of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, a first mode of operation providing no suction at the second pneumatic port and a second mode of operation providing suction at the second pneumatic port; and a controller that detects whether the first mode of operation providing no suction at the second pneumatic port or the second mode of operation providing suction at the second pneumatic port is selected based on a measurement of vacuum inside the hearing aid restoration apparatus, a vacuum sensor that measures the level of vacuum in an air space that is not fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port and outputs a signal representative of the measured level of vacuum to the controller, where the vacuum sensor measures the level of vacuum as a positive vacuum pressure, a pneumatic valve that includes at least an input port, a first output port, and a second output port; and a pump that includes a pump inlet port and a pump outlet port, wherein the first output port is configured to provide a vacuum chamber mode and the second output port is configured to provide a vacuum wand mode, the input port of the valve is fluidly connected to the pump inlet port, the second output port of the pneumatic valve is fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port, the pneumatic valve comprises a toggle of the user interface, which toggle toggles a fluid connection from the input port of the pneumatic valve to either the first output port or the second output port, the vacuum sensor is arranged upstream of the first output port, and the vacuum sensor outputs a signal representative of the measured level of vacuum in said air space to the controller; using the hearing aid restoration apparatus to: detect by a controller whether a power switch of a hearing aid restoration apparatus has been activated; supply electrical power to a pump in response to the power switch being activated; measure a vacuum level in volume fluidly connected to a vacuum chamber with a vacuum sensor of the hearing aid restoration apparatus; determine that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in a vacuum chamber mode when the measured vacuum level fluctuates or exceeds a predetermined threshold; and activate a timer in response to the determination that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: monitoring the power switch; and shutting off power to the pump when the power switch is turned off.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: determining by the controller that the hearing aid restoration apparatus has been switched to a vacuum wand mode when the measured vacuum level drops below a second predetermined threshold after the determination that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode and the pump is operating.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: displaying a message indicating an error condition on a display of the hearing aid restoration device in response to a measurement of the vacuum level below a third predetermined threshold when the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification. The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Where applicable, some features may not be illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just show details to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are left out. The individual features of each aspect may each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter in which:

(2) FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a hearing aid restoration system.

(3) FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of the hearing aid restoration system with storage compartments in the housing.

(4) FIG. 2A illustrates pneumatic and electrical connections according to an embodiment.

(5) FIG. 2B illustrates pneumatic and electrical connections according to an embodiment of the restoration system with retractable cables.

(6) FIG. 2C illustrates pneumatic and electrical connections according to an embodiment of the restoration system with a pulsating vacuum suction.

(7) FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a vacuum wand of the restoration system.

(8) FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of a vacuum wand with pulsating vacuum suction.

(9) FIG. 5 illustrates a pressure wand according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

(10) FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum chamber according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

(11) FIG. 7 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the disclosure.

(12) FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow executed in the controller of an exemplary embodiment.

(13) Embodiments will hereinafter be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.

(15) A hearing device restoration system, such as a hearing aid restoration system 100 (also referred to as a restoration system or a restoration apparatus) according to embodiments of the disclosure provides the ability for an operator of the system to clean out debris from a hearing aid and to dry the hearing aid. Referring to FIG. 1A, illustrating an embodiment, the hearing aid restoration system 100 includes a housing 111. The housing 111 may be made of a polymer, a metal alloy, or any other rigid material that can contain the internal components. In embodiments, the housing 111 is made of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic.

(16) In embodiments, the housing has a lower portion 1113 and an upper portion 1112, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The lower portion 1113 has an upper surface facing upward when the restoration system 100 in normal use. A wand tray 170 is in the embodiment shown recessed into the upper surface of lower portion 1113, and can be used to store the pressure wand 150 and the vacuum wand 160 when the wands are not in use. It should be noted that the hearing aid restoration system could be made without such wand tray and that the wand tray provides a storage option for the wand.

(17) A part of the upper surface of the lower portion 1113 forms the base for a vacuum chamber formed when a removable container 121 is placed on top of vacuum chamber pad 119, and vacuum is generated inside the removable container 121. The removable container 121 can be used to store spare tips 122 for the pressure wand 150 and for the vacuum wand 160.

(18) The vacuum chamber pad 119 is recessed into the upper surface of the lower portion 1113, thus providing an easy to recognize boundary of the vacuum chamber pad 119. The vacuum chamber pad 119 is bounded by a raised wall 120, which helps guide the removable container 121 onto the vacuum chamber pad 119. The raised wall also helps ensure that the user does not accidentally slide the removable container 121 from the vacuum chamber pad 119 while vacuum is being generated in the vacuum chamber. Once vacuum is generated, the removable container 121 is held firmly on the vacuum chamber pad 119 by the vacuum.

(19) Referring to FIG. 6, vacuum chamber tube 234 is connected to vacuum chamber port 117 in the approximate center of the vacuum chamber pad 119. However, the vacuum chamber port 117 need not be in the center, but can be at any location that is covered by the removable container 121 when it is placed on the vacuum chamber pad 119. A vacuum chamber filter 601 is positioned in the vacuum chamber port 117 and filters air that is sucked out of the vacuum chamber to prevent or reduce fouling of the vacuum chamber tube 234.

(20) A hearing aid 600 is placed in the vacuum chamber to thoroughly dry the hearing aid. After the hearing aid 600 is placed in the vacuum chamber, the removable container 121 is placed on top of the vacuum chamber pad 119 and vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber. To apply the vacuum, the restoration system 100 is switched into the vacuum chamber mode (i.e., a first mode) by toggling pneumatic valve 142 into a particular position with the restoration system 100 powered on via the power switch 141. The power switch 141 can be an electrical toggle switch that has two positions. It can also be a momentary-on switch that is pressed in or down, or functions like a toggle switch that is biased into one position.

(21) Referring back to FIG. 1A, the pneumatic valve 142 (also referred herein as a pressure switch) can have the appearance of a toggle switch 146 protruding from the face plate 140 of the housing 111. In an embodiment, the face plate 140 is attached to the upper portion 1112 of the housing 111. The pneumatic valve 142 can be toggled between the vacuum chamber mode noted above, indicated as “chamber” in the drawings, and a vacuum wand mode (i.e., a second mode), indicated as “wand” in the drawings. The moving of the toggle switch 146 from one position to another position may reconfigure the internal flow path through the pneumatic valve 142.

(22) In an embodiment, the vacuum chamber mode is selected when the toggle switch 146 of pneumatic valve 142 is flipped down toward the lower portion 1113, while the vacuum wand mode is selected when the toggle switch 146 is flipped up. This orientation of the toggle switch 146 is advantageous for the users of the restoration system 100. When the vacuum chamber mode is selected (and the toggle switch is flipped down), the removable container 121 is firmly attached to the vacuum chamber pad 119 while vacuum is being generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber mode is typically used for a period of several minutes, such as between 1 and 10 minutes.

(23) In an embodiment, the restoration system 100 sets a timer at the beginning of the vacuum chamber mode and automatically stops supplying vacuum at the expiration of the timer. A user will then want to open the vacuum chamber, but even when the system is powered down, the vacuum will persist for some time in the vacuum chamber. To release the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, the toggle switch 146 is flipped up to the “wand” setting, which releases the vacuum in the vacuum chamber and makes it possible to lift up the removable container 121. A movement up of the toggle switch is advantageous for the user as it mimics the intended movement of the removable container 121, making it easy for the user to remember how to release the removable container 121 from the vacuum chamber pad 119.

(24) Referring back to FIG. 1A, the upper portion 1112 of the housing 111 has a face plate 140 that contains a first pneumatic port (also referred to as compressed air pneumatic port 112), and a second pneumatic port (also referred to as vacuum pneumatic port 113). The ports 112 and 113 may be disposed toward the outer horizontal edges of face plate 140, with power switch 141, display 145, and the toggle switch 146 disposed between the ports 112 and 113.

(25) The compressed air pneumatic port 112 may include a connection mechanism that allows pressure tube 114 to be fluidly connected to the port. The connection mechanism may be a quick-release type mechanism, a luer lock, a threaded pipe, or any other type of pneumatic connection. Similarly, the vacuum pneumatic port 113 may include such a connection mechanism to allow a fluid connection of suction tube 115 to the port.

(26) The face plate 140 also includes the display 145 that displays various information about the operation of the restoration system 100. In an embodiment, the display 145 is a digital display, and may include a liquid crystal element that changes its appearance in response to the application of electrical current. The display 145 may also include an array of light emitting diodes that are individually controllable to emit light in a pattern that is recognizable as human readable characters or to graphically indicate the level of vacuum (LED bar graph). In an embodiment, the display 145 may include a back-light providing illumination for the information on the display 145. The back-light emits light at varying intensities and can cause the display to flash and get the user's attention. In an embodiment, the display 145 flashes when an error condition is detected. In this situation, the display 145 may also display text or graphics to inform the user of the error condition.

(27) In an embodiment, the error condition is the lack of vacuum in the vacuum chamber. When the restoration system 100 operates in the vacuum chamber mode, but the level of vacuum in the vacuum chamber is below an expected threshold, the display 145 flashes with varying intensity of light to attract the user's attention, and also displays a message about a possible problem with the vacuum chamber.

(28) Referring to FIG. 7, the display 145 may be divided into multiple distinct regions, with each region displaying different types of information. In an embodiment, the display 145 includes an upper left region 710, an upper right region 711, and a lower region 712. The upper left region 710 can display a count-down timer that indicates the duration of the vacuum chamber mode. The count-down timer may display minutes and seconds, as shown in FIG. 7. The upper left region 710 can also display an incrementing timer that indicates the duration of the operation of the restoration system 100, akin to an odometer of a car. The upper left region 710 may, thus, be used to determine when periodic maintenance should be performed on the restoration system 100.

(29) The upper right region 711 can display a reading of vacuum detected in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum can be displayed in various units, such as inches of mercury (inHg), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and similar. The display of the vacuum is based on a measurement by a vacuum sensor 230, sometimes also referred to as a pressure sensor, described further below. In an embodiment, the readout from the vacuum sensor 230 is not directly presented on the display 145, but is additionally processed by controller 210. As vacuum builds up in the vacuum chamber, the vacuum measurement by the vacuum sensor 230 may fluctuate. Such fluctuations of the measurement can be displayed on the display 145 or they may be filtered out by the controller 210.

(30) As noted above, a leak may be present in the fluid connection from the pump 220 to the removable container 121 due to a leak in a tube, a leak in a fitting, a leak in the pneumatic valve 142, or leak or crack in the removable container 121, or an improper or incomplete placement of the removable container 121 on the vacuum chamber pad 119. In this situation, the reading from the vacuum sensor 230 will not be completely zero, but will instead fluctuate below some value. The controller 210 can detect this situation and call the operator's attention by displaying an error message on the display 145, flashing the display 145, or outputting other stimulus that the operator can perceive. In an embodiment, the display 145 may output instructions on how to correct or try to correct the error condition that is being detected by the controller 210.

(31) In an embodiment, the controller 210 controls the display 145 to display the vacuum as 0 units for any measurement below 5 units of measured vacuum (e.g., 5 inHg), and increment to a reading of 5 units only after the actual measurement is above 5 units. This can continue in increments of 5 units, or any other unit size, until a predetermined threshold is reached. This type of processing can be thought of as a floor function or a ceiling function. In an embodiment, the predetermined threshold can be the measurement of vacuum at sea level (i.e., 28.5 inHg) or some value below the level of vacuum. This control of the display 145 avoids user confusion that could be caused if unexpected fluctuations of vacuum level were displayed on the display 145.

(32) In an embodiment, display 145 further includes lower region 712 which can be larger than the two upper regions, or can itself be subdivided into further regions. In and embodiment, the lower region 712 can display text or graphics to convey a message to the user. The message may provide operating instructions on how to use the restoration system 100. For example, the lower region 712 may state that the toggle switch 146 needs to be toggled to the “wand” position at the conclusion of the vacuum chamber mode to open the vacuum chamber.

(33) While the display 145 has been described above with regions 710, 711, and 712 in particular locations, those locations could be interchanged among the regions and fewer or more regions can be used. In an embodiment, the display 145 is implemented as a touch-sensitive screen that displays information and also receives input based on pressure change or capacitance change at a particular location on the display 145.

(34) Referring to FIG. 1B, an embodiment of the restoration system 100 is illustrated that includes one or more storage compartments. The restoration system 100 includes housing 111 as shown in FIG. 1A, but the housing 111 may include storage compartments formed in the housing 111. In an embodiment, the upper portion 1112 includes one or more storage compartments. Storage compartment 131 is formed as a recess on the upper surface of the upper portion 1112 into the inner cavity of the housing 111. The storage compartment 131 may be opened at the top, or may include a door 136 attached to the upper portion 1112. In an embodiment, the door 136 is attached via a hinge 135 or a similar mechanism, such as a flap. The door 136 may include a handle 134, or a similar attachment such as an opening or a hole for a user's finger, to enable the user to easily open the door 136.

(35) Though FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment with two storage compartments (131 and 132), it is envisioned that a single storage compartment, or more than two storage compartments are provided to allow the user to store and sort accessories of the restoration system 100.

(36) In an embodiment, the lower portion 1113 of the housing 111 includes a drawer 133 which extends sideways from the lower portion 1113. This embodiment can be combined with the storage compartments 131 and 132 in the upper portion 1112.

(37) Turning next to FIG. 2A, the internal pneumatic and electrical connections of an embodiment of the restoration system 100 are shown. A power supply 200 receives power either as alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) when the power switch 141 is turned on.

(38) In the case of AC, the power supply 200 can be powered by 100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz. In an embodiment, the power supply 200 contains a fuse to limit the current draw. A 1.25 Amp fuse can be used when 220-240 V is supplied and a 2.5 Amp fuse can be used when 100-112 V is supplied. When AC power is used, the AC voltage is converted in the power supply 200 to a lower DC voltage. In an embodiment, the DC voltage is 12 V at 5 Amps, and is supplied to the pump 220 via a relay that is controlled by the controller 210. The relay (not illustrated) can be a solid state relay. The power supply 200 also provides a lower DC voltage output to power the controller 210 itself. In an embodiment, the power supply 200 outputs 5 V DC and the controller 210 runs embedded code.

(39) The controller 210 receives a signal output by the vacuum sensor 230 and provides a signal to the display 145. In an embodiment, the vacuum sensor 230 can read a vacuum relative to atmosphere up to 115 kPA (33 inHg).

(40) In an embodiment, the controller 210 uses the output of the vacuum sensor 230 to determine what mode (“wand” or “chamber”) the toggle switch 146 of the pneumatic valve 142 is in. The vacuum sensor 230 monitors the vacuum generated in the vacuum chamber formed by the removable container 121 positioned over the vacuum chamber pad 119. The vacuum sensor 230 is fluidly connected to an output port 144 of the pneumatic valve 142. The output port 144 may be divided into a first output port and a second output port, which are both connected to the pneumatic valve, but is configured to provide either a vacuum wand mode or a vacuum chamber mode, depending on mode of operation of the system.

(41) In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve 142 is a 4-way toggle valve used to connect the suction port of the pump 220 to either the vacuum chamber or the vacuum wand 160. In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve 142 has a toggle switch 146 which can be moved between two positions. As shown schematically in FIGS. 2A-2C with double arrow 147, toggling the toggle switch 146 causes the internal flow through the pneumatic valve 142 to reconfigure, such that the valve input port 143 is fluidly connected to one or the other of the valve output ports 144, but not both at the same time. In one position (i.e., the first position), the pneumatic valve 142 connects valve input port 143 to the vacuum chamber tube 234 and the vacuum sensor 230. The effect of this position may be referred to herein as the first mode, the vacuum chamber mode, or simply chamber mode. In the other position (i.e., the second position), the pneumatic valve 142 connects the valve input port 143 to the suction tube 115 of the vacuum wand 160. The effect of this position may be referred to herein as the second mode, the vacuum wand mode, or simply the wand mode. In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve 142 is switched by turning, pulling, or pushing a knob or a handle rather than toggling a switch.

(42) In an embodiment, the vacuum persists in the vacuum chamber even when the pump 220 is turned off when the pneumatic valve 142 is in the vacuum chamber mode due to one-way check valves in the pneumatic valve 142. As described above, when the pneumatic valve 142 is toggled into the vacuum wand mode, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber is released, and the removable container 121 can be lifted from the vacuum chamber pad 119.

(43) The valve input port 143 of the pneumatic valve 142 is fluidly connected to the pump inlet port 221. The pump 220 pulls in air through the pump inlet port 221 and expels it through pump outlet port 222. In an embodiment, the pump 220 operates off of 12V DC, has a flow rate up to 6.5 l/min, runs at a nominal speed of 3100 rpm and its two diaphragm pump assemblies are configured in series.

(44) The pump outlet port 222 is fluidly connected to the pressure wand 150 through the pressure tube 114. When the pump 220 operates, it generates pressure at the pump outlet port 222. This pressure causes air to be emitted from pressure wand tip 155. In an embodiment, the toggle switch 146 is toggled into the “wand” setting when the pressure wand 150 is used. In this mode, air is sucked in through the tip 165 of the vacuum wand 160 and air is expelled at pressure from the pressure wand tip 155. Tips 155 and 165 may be interchangeable such that tip 155 may be attached to the vacuum wand 160 while tip 165 may be attached to the pressure wand 150. The tips can be generally conically shaped with a hollow air passage in their core to allow air to pass through the tip. The end of the tip can be further terminated with a hollow needle 167. Tips of different sizes or with needles of different sizes (thickness) can be used for accessing various sizes of ports, inlets, or openings of a hearing aid when it is being restored.

(45) In an embodiment, the controller 210 uses the output of the vacuum sensor 230 to determine what mode (“wand” or “chamber”) the toggle switch 146 of the pneumatic valve 142 is in. When the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “wand” mode, there is no suction applied to the vacuum sensor 230 by the pump 220, and the vacuum sensor 230 will read a constant zero or near-zero value. The controller 210 can determine based on this value that the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “wand” mode, and will supply power to the pump 220 continuously.

(46) On the other hand, when the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “vacuum chamber” mode, the pneumatic valve 142 fluidly connects the pump inlet port 221 of the pump 220 to the vacuum sensor 230. If the removable container 121 is not positioned at all, or not positioned correctly on the vacuum chamber pad 119, the vacuum sensor 230 will register a low value which may fluctuate. If the removable container 121 is correctly positioned on the vacuum chamber pad 119, the vacuum sensor 230 will read an increasing vacuum value. The controller 210 determines based on a detection of a low vacuum reading, but that is fluctuating, or a high vacuum reading, that the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “chamber” mode.

(47) In an embodiment, when the controller 210 determines that the pneumatic valve 142 is in the chamber mode, it will set a count-down timer for the pump 220. In an embodiment, the time is set to 5 minutes, but can be set to a different value, such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes and up. In an embodiment, the user can increase or decrease the time remaining while the pump is running or while it is paused. When the time expires, the controller 210 turns off power to the pump 220. In an embodiment, the controller 210 outputs a message on the display 145 indicating that the timer has expired. In an embodiment, the controller 210 causes the display 145 to flash and outputs an audible signal for the user.

(48) The pneumatic valve 142 is more robust and reliable than electronically controlled valves, and when connected as disclosed herein, provides a simple configuration at a fraction of the cost of using multiple electronically controlled valves. Further, embodiments of the speed of the restoration system 100 with the pneumatic valve 142 are compact and free up space inside the housing 111 for storage compartments 131 and one or more drawers 133. In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the free space inside of housing 111 includes a retracting mechanism 250, as illustrated in FIG. 2B and described below.

(49) Referring to FIG. 2B, an embodiment of the restoration system 100 includes a retracting mechanism 250 inside housing 111. Other elements in 2B are already described above with reference to FIG. 2A. The retracting mechanism 250 includes two separate spools of tubing, though a combined spindle can be used, with two reels on the same axle. The suction tube 115 of the vacuum wand 160 can be connected directly to one of the spools of the retracting mechanism 250, or may be detachably attached to connector that protrudes from the face plate 140 of the upper portion 1112. The pressure tube 114 of the pressure wand 150 may be similarly attached directly to a spool of the retracting mechanism 250, or may be attached to a connector on the face plate 140.

(50) In an embodiment, the retracting mechanism 250 is spring powered and keeps the tubes in the extended position until a tube is pulled away from the retracting mechanism 250. Then, the retracting mechanism 250 relies on internal springs to rotate a spool and wind a tube onto the spool.

(51) In an embodiment, the retracting mechanism 250 includes an electrical motor that is controlled by the controller 210. In this embodiment, the spools of the retracting mechanism 250 allow a user to exert a pulling force on tubes 115 and 114 to extend them out from the housing 111. Although a connection is not shown in FIG. 2B, the controller 210 controls the electrical motor (or multiple motors) of the retracting mechanism 250 to reel in the tubes. The controller 210 can issue a command to reel in the tubes in response to the power switch 141 being toggled to the off position, or in response to a different user command.

(52) Referring to FIG. 2C, an embodiment of the restoration system 100 includes pulsating vacuum functionality. In some cases, it may be advantageous to apply the suction from the vacuum wand 160 as pulses of suction alternated with pulses of no, or reduced, suction. This pulsation can dislodge stubbornly attached debris through a back-and-forth rocking of the debris. In an embodiment, the pulsation mode also exposes the debris to higher suction as vacuum builds up in a chamber with volume, shown as volume 270 in FIG. 2C.

(53) An embodiment that provides the pulsating vacuum functionality includes an electronic valve 271 fluidly connected between an output port 144 of the pneumatic valve 142 and the suction tube 115 of the vacuum wand 160. In an embodiment, volume 270 is fluidly connected between the output port 144 and a port of the electronic valve 271, as shown in FIG. 2C. The volume 270 can be a sealed container with two ports, a sealed container with a single port connected to T-splice in tube 269, or even an extension of length of the tube 269 that provides volume in which vacuum can build up. In an embodiment, the size (e.g., in units of milliliters) of the volume 270 is set based on the rate at which the electronic valve 271 opens and closes and the flow and suction rate of the pump 220.

(54) The electronic valve 271 opens and closes a fluid connection in response to a control signal from the controller 210. A pulse mode switch 272 is disposed on or in the housing 111 and controls the selection of the pulsed vacuum mode. The pulse mode switch 272 provides a signal to the controller 210, which in turn controls the opening and closing of the electronic valve 271. When the pulsed vacuum mode is not selected, the electronic valve 271 remains opened. When the pulsed vacuum mode is selected, the electronic valve 271 alternates quickly between an open state and a closed state. The cyclic rate of the electronic valve 271 can be controlled by the controller 210 up to the physical limit of the electronic valve 271. In an embodiment, the electronic valve 271 pulses open and closed ranging from once every 0.1 second to once every 2 seconds. In various embodiments, the cyclic rate is once every 0.1 second, once every 0.5 second, once every second, and once every 1.5 seconds. The pulsation functionality can also be achieved with a pulsation vacuum wand discussed below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

(55) FIG. 3A illustrates a vacuum wand 160 according to an embodiment. The suction tube 115 is terminated with a mating connector 371 that may include ribs or barbs for a secure connection with the flange 373 of the filter housing body 362. The flange 373 can be movable into and out of the filter housing end cap 390 to release the mating connector 371. The filter housing end cap 390 is detachably attached to the filter housing body 362. The attachment may be via a friction fit, a threaded connection, locking lugs, or other types of detachable connections.

(56) The filter housing body 362 has a tubular shape, such as a hollow cylinder. However, the cross sectional profile of the filter housing body 362 need not be circular, and can be a different shape, including an ellipse, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, or a bean-shape. In an embodiment, the filter housing body 362 is made of a transparent or translucent material, allowing the user to observe filter element 365 that is housed inside the filter housing body 362. In an embodiment, the filter housing body 362 includes a transparent or translucent window that provides a view of the filter element 365. The filter element 365 is also a hollow cylinder made of a filter material. As shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3A, air flows from the tip 165 into the outer surface of the filter element 365. The air flows through the filter element 365 to the inner cavity of the filter element to toward the suction tube 115. This air flow through the filter element causes debris to be deposited on the outer surface of the filter element 365, making the debris visible to the user through the filter housing body 362 without the need to remove the filter element 365 from the vacuum wand 160. The filter element 365 can have a light color, such as white, when the element is new. This color will turn darker as debris collects in the filter element 365, giving the user visual indication of the need to replace the filter element 365.

(57) The filter housing body 362 is detachably connected to filter housing end cap 380 via a similar or the same connection mechanism as the filter housing end cap 390. The filter housing end cap 380 includes a flange 374 that is movable into and out of the filter housing end cap 380 to provide a detachable connection to the mating connector 372. The mating connector 372 is connected to neck 363 that may be of a tubular shape, which terminates with connector 164. The neck 363 is elongate and has a length that is comfortably held by the user. The connector 164 has a connector tip 364 which accepts the tip 165.

(58) FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of the vacuum wand 160. The filter housing end cap 390 is shown with the flange 373, locking lugs 392, and an air passage 391. The dashed lines on the filter housing end cap 390 represent the passage of air. Air flows substantially straight through the filter housing end cap 390, from the flange 373 to the air passage 391. When the filter housing body 362 has the filter element 365 inside and is attached to the filter housing end cap 390, the air passage 391 aligns with the central cavity of the filter element 365.

(59) The filter housing end cap 380 also includes locking lugs 382 for attachment to the filter housing body 362, but also includes an air passage 381 which is positioned on an outer radial surface of the filter housing end cap 380. The path of airflow through the filter housing end cap 380 is illustrated by dashed lines from the connector tip 364. As shown in FIG. 3B, the airflow does not reach the central cavity of the filter element 365, but instead passes through the air passage 381 and passes into a space created between the filter housing body 362 and the filter element 365 when the filter is assembled. This airflow passage supplies air carrying debris to the outer surface of the filter element 365. The air passes through the filter element 365 to reach the central cavity 366 of the filter element 365, and from there into the air passage 391 of the filter housing end cap 390.

(60) Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an embodiment of a pulsating vacuum wand 460 provides pulsating vacuum functionality without the electronic valve 271 or the pulse mode switch 272. The pulsating vacuum wand 460 includes some elements described above in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and those elements are not described again. The pulsating vacuum wand 460 includes a pulsating element 462 which includes a number of sub-parts illustrated in FIG. 4A. The pulsating element 462 can be integrally built into the pulsating vacuum wand 460, or it can be a separate component that connects to the vacuum wand 160. The pulsating element 462 includes a pulsating control valve 432. In an embodiment, the pulsating control valve 432 is a manually operated pneumatic valve with in input port and at least two output ports. Operating the pulsating control valve 432 toggles a fluid connection from the input port to one or the other of the two output ports.

(61) One of the output ports is fluidly connected to a bypass port 430. When the bypass port 430 is selected, the pulsating vacuum wand 460 operates at a continuous suction without pulsation. A stream of air 440 flows through the bypass port 430, but not through a pulsation chamber 410.

(62) The pulsating vacuum wand 460 also includes a pulsation chamber 410. The pulsation chamber 410 is a hollow chamber with an inlet port 411 and an outlet port 412. The outlet port 412 is selectively connected by the pulsating control valve 432. When the outlet port 412 is connected, suction is applied to the outlet port 412 by a fluid connection to the pump 220. At the same time, the bypass port 430 is disconnected.

(63) When suction is applied to the outlet port 412, vacuum builds up in the pulsation chamber 410 because the inlet port 411 is blocked by piston head 426. The piston head 426 can be flat, curved, rigid, or made of a flexible material. The piston head 426 is connected to a piston rod 425, which biased by a biasing element, such as a spring 420, toward the inlet port 411. Though the biasing element is illustrated as a spring 420, other devices that provide biasing force, such as an elastic band(s), an inflated elastic bladder(s), magnets with opposing polarity, or an electromagnetic coil surrounding a conductive member can be used to provide biasing force on the piston head 426.

(64) The spring 420 has a spring constant k that determines the amount of biasing force exerted by the spring on the piston rod 425 and through it on the piston head 426. When the vacuum in the pulsation chamber 410 is sufficiently strong, it overcomes the biasing force of the spring 420 and pulls back the piston head 426, thus opening the inlet port 411, as shown in FIG. 4B.

(65) When the inlet port 411 is opened, air flow 442 flows into the pulsation chamber 410, and suction from the pulsation chamber 410 is applied to the filter in pulsating vacuum wand 460, and through the filter to the connector tip 364.

(66) The opening of the inlet port 411 reduces the vacuum in the pulsation chamber 410 until the biasing force of the spring 420 again closes the inlet port 411. This causes the vacuum to again build up, repeating the process disclosed above. The frequency of the pulsation is adjusted by adjusting the spring constant of the spring 420.

(67) Referring to FIG. 5, a pressure wand 150 according to an embodiment is shown. The pressure wand 150 has an elongate tubular body 551 that may include a cushioned grip 552. The elongate tubular body 551 is hollow and is terminated with a flange 573 on one end and a connector 164 on the other end. The flange 573 provides a detachable connection to the mating connector 371 of the pressure tube 114. A tip 155 is connected to the connector tip 364. Different sizes of tips can be used to provide an airstream of different speeds.

(68) Referring to FIG. 8, a process flow of an exemplary embodiment of the restoration system 100 is illustrated. At step S 801, the power switch 141 is turned on or toggled. The controller 210 detects this event as a power on event by polling the state of the power switch 141 or by turning on in response to receiving power. Subsequently, in step S 802, the pump 220 is powered on, outputting air through its pump outlet port 222 and sucking in air through its pump inlet port 221. At this stage, the controller 210 might not yet be aware of which mode (“wand” or “chamber”) is selected by the pneumatic valve 142. The controller 210 will determine the mode by reading the output of the vacuum sensor 230 in step S 803.

(69) As explained above, it is possible to determine the state of the pneumatic valve 142 (i.e., what mode is selected) based on the pressure or vacuum reading from the vacuum sensor 230. For example, if the there is no vacuum detected (i.e., the vacuum level is a constant zero), the pneumatic valve 142 is determined to be in the “wand” mode. When the pneumatic valve 142 is in the vacuum wand mode, the suction of the pump 220 is fluidly connected to the vacuum wand 160, but not to the fluid path connected to the vacuum chamber port 117 which is where the vacuum sensor 230 takes its measurement. Thus, the vacuum reading in a space fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber port 117 will be read as zero vacuum.

(70) On the other hand, if the signal from the vacuum sensor 230 indicates the presence of vacuum at a constant positive level, a rising level, or a fluctuating level, the pneumatic valve 142 is determined to be in the “chamber” mode. Thus, at step S 805 the process branches based on which mode is determined.

(71) If the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “wand” mode, the pump operates continuously until the power switch 141 is switched off, as detected in step S 806. Then, the pump turns off at step S 814.

(72) If the pneumatic valve 142 is in the “chamber” mode, the controller 210 starts a timer, as described above. The timer may also be a distinct hardware component separate from the controller 210. The controller 210 monitors the state of the timer as shown in the looping steps terminating with step S 813. Before the process gets to step S 813, the vacuum sensor 230 is read in step S 808, which is similar to step S 803 described above. Based on the reading from step S 808, the controller 210 of the restoration system 100 determines in step S 809 whether the pneumatic valve 142 has been toggled out of the “chamber” mode into the “wand,” which would indicate the operator of the system may wish to lift the removable container 121 off from vacuum chamber pad 119. Thus, if it is determined that the pneumatic valve 142 has been toggled to “wand,” the process continues to step S 814, where the pump is turned off.

(73) If in step S 809 it is determined that the pneumatic valve 142 had not been toggled to “wand,” the process continues with step S 810 which displays current conditions about the operation of the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum level measured by the vacuum sensor 230 may be displayed. In other exemplary embodiments, the vacuum level measurement is filtered with a floor or ceiling function to filter out minor fluctuations in the reading. In other exemplary embodiments, the timer is displayed on the display 145, informing the operator of the remaining time in the cleaning cycle when operating in the chamber mode.

(74) In other exemplary embodiments, the process may check in step S 811 whether the measured vacuum is above a predetermined level. This could be advantageous to detect leaks that do not completely deplete the vacuum, but leaks that may persist over time and would not be apparent without the measurement. If the vacuum (i.e., the value of the vacuum measurement) is above a limit value, the system is considered to be operating properly, and the process flow continues to step S 813. On the other hand, if the vacuum is not above the limit value, a warning is displayed to the user in step S 812.

(75) After the warning, the process continues in step S 813, where a determination is made whether the power switch has been pressed or toggled, or whether the timer has expired. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, the process continues to step S 814, where the pump is turned off and the process terminates.

(76) Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the disclosed subject matter to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. It is, thus, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the present disclosure, a hearing device restoration system and associated manufactures, components, systems, and methods of use. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations are enabled by the present disclosure. While specific embodiments have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the disclosure, it will be understood that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

(77) As used, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e. to have the meaning “at least one”), unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element but an intervening elements may also be present, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method is not limited to the exact order stated herein, unless expressly stated otherwise.

(78) It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an aspect” or features included as “may” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

(79) The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

(80) Accordingly, the scope should be judged in terms of the claims that follow.